Commercial 24 Hours Iced Coffee Vending Machine

Project Background
To enhance the service facilities in the scenic area, the management deployed three new JK86 commercial iced coffee vending machines in high-traffic leisure zones during the summer of 2024. These machines are capable of serving both hot and cold beverages.

Equipment Configuration and Functionality
Each machine is equipped with six ingredient compartments, offering over 20 beverage options, including hot milk, classic latte, Americano, iced coffee, hot chocolate, and caffeine-free tea drinks, catering to the diverse needs of children, adults, and elderly visitors. The payment system supports QR code scanning, coin insertion, and facial recognition. The entire process, from beverage selection to dispensing, takes approximately 40 seconds.

Operational Management
The machines are managed directly by the scenic area's commercial services department, with restocking and cleaning performed twice daily, in the morning and evening. The ice-making system can produce up to 80 kg of edible ice per day, meeting peak-hour demand. The machines are equipped with a remote monitoring system that automatically sends alerts to the duty office when supplies are low or equipment malfunctions occur.

Usage Statistics
Since their deployment in July, the three machines have achieved a combined daily sales volume of approximately 50 to 80 cups. Data analysis shows that hot beverages account for about 60% of sales between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, while iced beverages dominate 75% of sales between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. During weekends, when family visits increase, sales of hot milk and chocolate drinks rise by about 40% compared to weekdays.

Visitor Feedback
In the scenic area's real-time feedback system, the machines received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Frequently mentioned positive comments include: "very convenient when children suddenly want hot milk," "the iced coffee is notably effective for cooling down," and "multiple payment options are available." Three visitors suggested adding soy milk or plant-based milk alternatives in the suggestion section.

Management Evaluation
In its quarterly report, the scenic area's commercial services department noted that the machines effectively address service gaps in fixed retail locations, particularly in high-traffic areas such as shuttle bus waiting zones and cable car queues, where commercial coverage is limited. The machines became profitable by the fourth month of operation. Plans are underway to add two more units before next summer and to optimize beverage varieties based on visitor feedback. Additionally, the technical department is testing an integration feature with the scenic area's guide app, which will allow visitors to redeem beverage discounts using points earned from check-ins during their visits.