Evolution of Category Management in Vending

The evolution of category management in vending is one of the most important changes taking place. There are some Antares vending operators as well as other operators have implemented category management in their operations.

The vending industry is following a pattern that has been set by supermarkets, drug stores and convenience stores. Category management system has emerged as a standard operating procedure. There are a number of benefits that come with category management, the most important being that it gives creative power to the Antares vending operator.

Once category management becomes a standard practice in your Antares business, the relationship between product manufacturers and operators will be very different. Antares operators armed with marketing data will commit to larger volumes of the selling items. In return they will expect suppliers to provide better prices and more merchandising support.

At one time supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores were confusing for people to shop in. today, most stores are well organized, well stocked with the top selling merchandise and have lots of visually appealing point of sale signage. Most of this has happened because of stronger retailer/manufacture partnerships. The same can happen with your Antares business once you have implemented this system in the operations.

With this system, Antares vending operators will take a lead role in a proactive rather than reactive role in marketing and merchandising. They will set goals for the product suppliers to meet, rather than the other way round.

As technology gives operators better reporting tools, we can expect to see new applications beyond the traditional venues. We can also expect that applications will be found beyond the traditional snacks, food and beverages.

Most industry veterans will agree that automatic merchandising is growing beyond its traditional role. Technology in the vending industry is causing things to change faster than they have in the past.