CellNet Data Systems and Real Time Data Partner to Deliver Vending Machine Monitoring; CellNet's Wireless Network Carries New Business Opportunities.SAN CARLOS San Carlos (săn kär`lōs), residential city (1990 pop. 26,167), San Mateo co., W Calif.; inc. 1925. The chief manufactures are plastic products, hardware, and machine parts. , Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 1997--CellNet Data Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on : CNDS CNDS Center for Networking and Distributed Systems (Johns Hopkins University) CNDS Condensate CNDS Calling Name Delivery Service (Ameritech) CNDS Call Number Delivery System ) and Real Time Data, Inc., the leading provider of remote monitoring (protocol) remote monitoring - (RMON) A network management protocol that allows network information to be gathered at a single computer. Whereas SNMP gathers network data from a single type of Management Information Base (MIB), RMON 1 defines nine additional MIBs that provide a systems for the vending industry, today announced a pilot program that will deliver timely information to vending machine vending machine, coin-operated, automatic device for selling goods. Many vending machines are capable of making change, and some of the more sophisticated ones accept paper money or credit cards. operators over the CellNet network, allowing them to analyze sales to improve productivity and greatly increase sales and operating efficiencies. Real Time Data (RTD RTD returned to duty (US DoD) RTD Rated RTD Ready to Drink RTD Richmond Times-Dispatch RTD Regional Transportation District RTD Research, Technological Development RTD Research and Technology Development RTD Real-Time Data ) and CellNet will begin working with Treat America, the largest regional vending machine operator in Kansas City, Mo., to retrofit vending machines with a communications module that will remotely monitor sales and usage information. Data will be sent from the vending machines over CellNet's commercially installed network, and collected at Treat America's central office. The vending data will enable Treat America operators to identify purchasing patterns at individual locations and alter services accordingly, thus reducing loss associated with out of stock merchandise, vandalism and machine failures. Operators can also eliminate unnecessary on-site visits, decrease theft, increase sales and improve their overall level of customer service. Each year, over five million vending machines in the United States generate in excess of $29 billion in sales, according to Vending Times Magazine. Competition and increased demand for product diversity are forcing operators to utilize technology to manage information in a quick and cost-effective manner. "We chose CellNet because they were able to offer a low-cost, long term communication solution for transmitting vending data over their high capacity network," said Scott Drum, vice-president of marketing at RTD. "The CellNet network helps us to offer our customers high service levels more economically." The partnership with RTD marks the first implementation of the CellNet wireless data communications network for a new business application outside of the utility market. The CellNet network, which RTD will use to transmit vending data, has been installed and operating in the Kansas City metropolitan area over the past two years and now provides Kansas City Power and Light with network meter reading services. Similar networks are also being deployed in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle, St. Louis and the San Francisco Bay Area “Bay Area” redirects here. For other uses, see Bay Area (disambiguation). The San Francisco Bay Area, colloquially known as the Bay Area or The Bay to transmit meter reading data. "Our network was designed from the start to take advantage of low-cost wireless data transmission technology and to provide information services See Information Systems. to a wide range of businesses," said Jim Jennings, vice president of sales and marketing at CellNet. "Working with RTD demonstrates the viability and cost benefits we can provide to any number of enterprises that need to remotely monitor service points." "Obtaining real-time information will allow us to recognize and react to trends to maintain a profitable supply of products in our machines while cutting costs internally, not to mention greatly improved customer service," said Jack Mitchell, chief operating officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. of Treat America. CellNet Data Systems, Inc. with headquarters in San Carlos, Calif., provides Network Meter Reading and other network information services See NIS. to the utility industry. CellNet's wireless network collects timely sales and usage data and delivers information to utilities, allowing them to create a strategic competitive advantage. The network can also be used for other commercial wireless data applications such as home security and remote status monitoring of vending machines and office equipment. CellNet employs approximately 500 people worldwide. Information about CellNet and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.cellnet.com . Founded in 1990, Real Time Data supplies wireless information systems that monitor remote points and transmit the information to central computers for display, reporting and analysis. The VendLink system enables the vending operator to achieve greater sales and reduce operating expenses Operating expenses The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted. by creating stricter cash controls, more efficient route scheduling and optimizing product assortment in each vending machine. CONTACT: CellNet Data Systems Rachel Silber, 415/508-6040 or Copithorne & Bellows (for CellNet) Helen Stefan, 415/975-2282 or Real Time Data Scott Drum, 206/688-7658 x213 |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion