vBox is the core hardware that connects vending and coffee machines to Vendon Cloud.
Around that core connection, additional components and integrations can be added to support monitoring, control, payment, and other machine-level functions.
Table of Contents
Temperature sensor
The temperature sensor is used to monitor internal temperature in a vending machine or connected fridge unit for coffee machines. This is especially relevant in setups where product quality depends on stable storage conditions, such as chilled products or milk-based coffee drinks.
Operators can set minimum and maximum thresholds, receive alerts when the range is exceeded, and review temperature history in Vendon Cloud. Read more about temperature monitoring for vending machines.
Remote reboot plug
The remote reboot plug allows a machine to be power-cycled remotely. It is used in cases where the machine becomes unresponsive and a restart is enough to restore operation.
Instead of sending someone to the location to unplug and reconnect the machine manually, the reboot can be triggered through Vendon Cloud. This makes it useful in setups where reducing simple on-site interventions is important.
BaristaBox
BaristaBox is used in espresso machine setups where deeper machine telemetry is needed. While vBox provides the main connection to Vendon Cloud, BaristaBox extends the amount and type of data that can be collected from traditional and super-automatic espresso machines.
This can include data related to brewing, ingredient use, cleaning activity, and machine performance. Read more about BaristaBox for traditional espresso machine monitoring.
Payment-related hardware
NFC card reader
The NFC card reader adds support for RFID and NFC-based interaction. Depending on the setup, it can be used for identification, payment, access control, or loyalty logic.
In workplace environments, it can work with employee cards, while in other closed environments it can support local credit or reward systems. This makes it useful where the machine needs to fit into an existing card-based infrastructure.
Change givers and bill validators
These devices can be part of the connected setup regardless of machine brand or type, with all data connected into one platform — Vendon Cloud. They are not vBox add-ons in the same sense as sensors or reboot plugs, but they often sit within the same machine architecture when telemetry, payment, and machine monitoring need to work together. See cash systems.
Custom project integrations
Barcode printers and scanners
The barcode printer and scanner setup is used when the machine needs to connect to an external validation flow or service process. A barcode can be printed at one point and scanned at the machine to trigger an action such as a discount or vend authorization. This is usually a third-party integration delivered as a custom project.
Receipt printer
The receipt printer is used when the machine needs to issue printed proof of purchase. This is most relevant where higher-value products are sold or where a receipt is needed for return, warranty, reimbursement, or accounting purposes. Like barcode setups, receipt printers are usually third-party integrations delivered as custom projects.
Custom API integrations
Custom API integrations extend the setup beyond hardware. They are used when machine data or machine actions need to connect with external software such as ERP systems, reporting tools, loyalty platforms, validation systems, or other business applications.
This makes it possible to adapt the vBox setup to wider operational processes and build custom use cases around the machine. One example is using the API to support traffic-driving campaigns, such as QR-based coffee redemption with real-time validation and automatic drink dispensing, as shown in this use case.
Get in touch to discuss your setup
If you are looking for any of these add-ons — or want to explore what would work best in your setup — contact us. Our team can help you find the right combination for your vending or coffee machine operation.
