Method for automated planogram programming in a vending machine

摘要

Automatic planogram programming for a glass front snack or cold drink vending machine is accomplished using tray, product and price barcodes, each preferably a different type of barcode. Trays within the vending machine are labeled with unique barcodes, and a set of price barcodes for predetermined prices is provided together with a USB-connected scanner. The barcode label affixed to any tray is scanned by the route driver. The UPC/EAN barcodes on products are then scanned for each selection progressing across the tray, together with a price barcode for the first selection and each subsequent selection having a different price from the prior selection on the tray. Planogram data for the tray may be reviewed and corrected on a customer interface display for the vending machine before moving on to another tray, with the trays programmed in any order. The planogram for the entire vending machine is quickly and accurately programmed.

主权项

1. A vending machine, comprising:
a memory configured to store a planogram for the vending machine; a plurality of trays each including a tray barcode unique to that tray among the trays within the vending machine; a set of price bar codes, each price bar code corresponding to a price within a group of selected prices; and a vending machine controller configured to communicably couple to a barcode scanner, wherein the vending machine controller is configured to, insert values within product and price entries for a selection in the planogram stored within the memory in response to receiving information corresponding to a tray barcode for a tray, a product code for products loaded within each selection on the corresponding tray, and at least one of the price barcodes.