News

Crane Merchandising Systems releases API for remote micro market management

April 23, 2014

Crane Merchandising Systems is testing a software update for managing micro markets.

A micro market is an unattended convenience store, typically located in a workplace setting where there's not enough population to support a food service operation and vending machines by themselves are not adequate, notes U.S. food consulting services firm Clarion Group.

Customers select food, snacks and beverages from refrigerated display cases and racks, just as in any convenience-store or a dining center's grab-and-go section. They pay at an ATM-like touchscreen kiosk by credit card, debit card or cash. A surveillance camera monitors the space, discouraging pilfering, according to Clarion Group.

API

A new Application Programming Interface released by CMS allows its VendMAX vending management system to be integrated with micro market technology. This means micro markets can be managed remotely using the same software program as vending machines.

CMS' new API will allow operators to carry out vending activities such as inventory management, cash accountability, scheduling and pre-kitting. Operators will be able to designate their micro market kiosks as a POS type and access revenue and performance data in one place. They will also be able to transmit sales and inventory information to VendMAX.

The API, developed by CMS company Streamware, is currently in field trial with Company Kitchens, a provider of micro markets. Once Streamware launches the API commercially, operators will be able to use VendMAX to view their entire business, CMS said.

"Having all of the sales and product information for the entire fleet of equipment in one place will save operators time, money and resources," Jim Mitchell, Company Kitchen's president, said in a statement.

The API developed by Streamware is generic and will integrate with any standard or custom micro market software, CMS said. The official launch for the API is set for July 2014.

Fast growth

"Among the fastest-growing solutions in corporate food services is the micro market," Tom MacDermott, Clarion Group's president, said in a press release.

"The micro-market idea has begun to catch on with corporate food service providers," MacDermott said. "Some national and regional food service companies are beginning to offer them."