April_2022 - 24

PURCHASED HARDWARE
AND SET UP DATA PLANS
Operators looking to manage their own
connectivity can purchase a cellular
modem from a hardware manufacturer
and set up their own data plans with
a carrier. This option alleviates many
of the issues addressed earlier because
you can manage the network directly
and gives you full control. If the location
is in a spot that has good cellular
coverage, this could be a good option.
The drawback is that most operators
don't have the expertise and/or time
to deal with setups, configurations,
software, security, data plans and carrier
relationships, troubleshooting, etc.
Instead of focusing on running a
successful business, operators using
this option are forced to spend considerable
resources managing their own
connectivity, which takes them away
from focusing on what they are good at.
If a piece of hardware does have
issues, operators must try and remedy
things on their own with little help
or support from suppliers. Purchasing
hardware upfront can also be very
expensive depending upon the size of
the operation and how many locations
they are connecting.
Pros
You have full control of the
hardware and data plans
Secure connectivity
Cons
Monthly data costs
Setting up the configurations
with all the different options
can be difficult for a novice
Coordinating data plans to
be as low as possible without
hitting overages can be a
time-consuming balancing act
Maintaining portfolios
with software versions
can require trained and
dedicated resources for
communications
MANAGED SERVICE
PROVIDER
One other option to consider for
your internet connectivity needs
is partnering with a fully managed
solution provider that allows an
operator to outsource their connectivity
needs to someone else.
By partnering with a fully
managed solution provider,
operators can effectively
outsource one of the most
important components to
their success to a reliable
partner who focuses
100% of their time
to making sure their
devices stay connected.
Operators pay for the data that
they use and are protected from huge
overages while also having one point
of contact if they have any issues
with their connectivity.
A managed solution provider
offers ease of installation, network
security, purchase and lease options,
customized data plans and more. By
partnering with a managed service
Pros
Single source of contact 24/7
support for both hardware
and connection issues
Ease of installation for virtual
plug and play
Network security,
connectivity, profiles,
firmware upgrades are
handled by the managed
solutions provider -
reducing your risk
Ability to have multiple
carriers and pay just one bill
Cons
Possibly higher monthly
communication costs since all
features and management
are included
Not a good option if cellular
reception is poor at a
given location
provider, operators can focus
on their business with the peace
of mind that their equipment will get
connected and stay connected. With
plug-and-play functionality built in,
all the operator has to do is plug in
the device and use it.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the strengths and
drawbacks of the options available is
necessary to select the best one for
each application.
From using an existing local
internet connection or publicly
available Wi-Fi network to a fully
managed wireless solution, and
everything in between, it's important
to know your options and choose the
connectivity solution that's best for
your vending kiosks. ■
About the author
Brian Gill is a national sales
executive of OptConnect.
Gill is responsible for
growing the company's
services across multiple
verticals. His main expertise
is in the unattended
retail space. With more than 30 years of
progressive career growth in executivelevel
positions in the vending, amusements
and coin-op laundry, Gill is a high-energy
business leader with deep industry and
multi-generational relationships. He can be
reached at brian.gill@optconnect.com.
24 Automatic Merchandiser * April 2022
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April_2022

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