Nestle is the world's largest and most famous food producer. With over 2000 brands in 186 countries, the company also works on the preparation of go-to drinks in an easy and convenient way. The team contacted us with an interesting tech task for the physical sites that offer their popular and best-selling products.
About Quanterall Nestle IoT project
Vending Machine Management Software
IndustryFood & Beverages
Duration12 months
Team6 people
Tech Stack
- C/C++
- Python
- GKT
- GIT
- Kotlin
- USB CDC
- TK
- Linux
About Nestle
The Development
The goal of our team was to find the best possible way in which software and hardware can work in symbiosis to offer a convenient and fast product ordering method. This, eventually, led to the development of a series of projects for Nestle, each with specific requirements and needs.
Our software developers also did the coffee machine management software, including the design and implementation of the UI/UX. Two apps were developed - a mobile application for Linux and Android, as well as a Desktop/Kiosk application for Linux and Windows. The team Packaged the application for each platform and developed a high-level USB CDC driver for Windows and Linux.
Project 1
Our first project with Nestle was about upgrading existing models of coffee machines and turning them into easy-to-use coffee with a digital twist. Our in-house hardware team designed and produced a display. The software team integrated Yoroi wallet and made mobile ordering and payment possible via QR code on the machine's screen. The payment was made on the Cardano blockchain.
Project 2
The next project was related to a technological solution, needed for Nestle's coffee machines installed at the largest kiosk chain in Bulgaria - Lafka. The goal was to develop a remote coffee machine that would help stores in reducing the queues.
Due to insufficient space in the kiosks, merchants often place the self-serving coffee machines away from the pay desk. The clients purchase coffee, pay at the cashier's terminal and then, go and order it with the push of a button from the machine. To avoid insinuations and interference, the machine was programmed to only unlock the button for starting the pre-paid drink.
Another requirement was a 60-second countdown until the button selection - another solution for crowding prevention.
Project 3
The solution was then advanced, and remoteness was achieved using Bluetooth technology, which allowed the coffee machine to be placed further away from the terminal without the need for cables. In addition, the Bluetooth connection allows mobile devices (tablets, phones, etc.) to be connected to the machine.
The Tech Challenge
Quanterall's team developed a module that can be mounted easily to Nestle's coffee machine without spoiling its integrity and warranty. This was achieved by reverse engineering existing protocols and creating a solution that allows seamless interaction between client POS terminal software and hardware.
Our experts performed the research and development of the solution, the hardware design, serial production, integration, and maintenance. We produced thousands of circuit boards. The results: increased number of customers and ordered drinks and reduced costs.
- Remote Mode
- Product Selection Control
- Easy-to-Use Interface
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