For Vendaid, making the switch to Vendmanager wasn’t just about replacing one system with another — it was about setting the business up for smarter, more scalable success. “Efficiency times three… plus visibility!” was the rallying cry when they first signed on. Since then, they’ve made that vision real — by embracing change, managing it carefully, and putting data to work across the company.
Now, a year and a half into the rollout, the impact is clear. Less waste. More accuracy. Better service. And a business that’s more aligned — from warehouse to office, van to vending machine.
From insight to action: why efficiency needs managing
Steve Oldcorne, Commercial Manager, put “efficiency” top of the list when the project began — repeating it three times for good measure. But he’s also clear: “Efficiency per se is just a calculation. Managing efficiency—that’s where the real work starts.”
It’s a point echoed throughout the business. Technology only delivers when you plan well, execute carefully, and get your whole team on board. And that’s what Vendaid has done — starting with clean data, clear priorities, and a firm foundation.
Hard numbers, real results
Vendmanager made an immediate impact. Here are a few examples:
- Pricing accuracy: A full estate price check using Datakey found 1,780 incorrect lines. With visibility came action — over 1,500 were corrected immediately, and the rest put on a priority list.
- Stock efficiency: “We’re on our way to eliminating a full month’s worth of warehouse ordering,” says Steve. The result? Better cash flow and closer alignment with real demand.
- Telematics ROI: The team spent £5.5k on DEX leads and another £4k on fitting. “We didn’t enjoy spending it,” Steve says. “But what we’ve gained back in value has far exceeded the cost.”
The message is clear: Vendmanager doesn’t just show you what’s wrong. It gives you the tools to put it right — and the clarity to keep improving.
Built on data, driven by trust
Getting the most out of Vendmanager took more than flicking a switch. The Vendaid team spent 16 weeks cleaning data before go-live. They implemented planograms, installed DEX, and changed route planning — all with a step-by-step approach.
“There’s always a next thing,” says Steve. “But it has to be in the right order, at the right time.”
Trust was key. As he puts it: “Even I had to have arguments with myself in my own head about going all in.” But the decision was made — and it’s paid off.
On the ground: the people making it work
At every level, Vendaid’s team is using Vendmanager to do their jobs better. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Steve Oldcorne (Commercial Manager): Uses Vendmanager daily for supplier management, stock control, and reporting. “The dashboard is my launchpad,” he says. “Then I drill down.”
- Diane (Office): Starts and ends her day with Vendmanager. “I used to be intimidated by where to find things. Now, everything is transparent and simple.”
- Tracy Archer (Operator): Keeps her Datakey on a lanyard. “It’s faster, simpler — and no, I wouldn’t go back.”
- Jason Hall (Warehouse): “We’re holding less, but we know it’s what we need. Operators only take what they’ll actually use, and that cuts waste across the board.”
It’s a full team effort—and it’s changing how the business runs.
What’s changed, and what’s next
One major shift has been the rollout of Single Walk. Starting with one route, the team expanded it methodically. The impact?
- Operators are stocking what the machine needs, not what they think it needs.
- Van loads are lighter, which saves fuel.
- Warehouse ordering is leaner, improving cash flow.
Up next: further rollout of pre-packing, evaluation of dynamic routing, and eventually Databridge integration.
Each improvement builds on the last. The goal isn’t change for the sake of it — it’s smart sequencing, with visibility into what’s working.
Selling with substance
Tony Greenshill, Sales Manager, brings decades of experience to his role. He sees the same issues recurring over time — but now, he has better tools to tackle them.
“When an HR manager’s staff complain about the coffee machine, that becomes the whole meeting. We fix that, and they can focus on what really matters.”
Or when a client wants healthier options: “We provide the plan, then track the impact. Vendmanager shows not just what’s selling, but what’s both healthy and popular.”
In Tony’s words: “We’ve gone from doing this with manual charts to clicking a button. And it’s freeing up our people to focus on relationships.”
Sales, operations, service: better together
Vendmanager isn’t just one system — it’s an integrated solution across the business.
- Sales: Better onboarding, clearer reporting, and smarter client support. “Whistles and bells we couldn’t dream of before,” says Tony.
- Operations: Easier stock control, route planning, and waste reduction. “Operators are making fewer visits—and only when needed.”
- Service: Improved reliability, supported by real-time data and visibility across the fleet.
That cohesion is a big part of why the system works so well for Vendaid.
Clear plans, cleaner business
Steve lays out their planning logic simply:
- What to do now.
- What not to do now.
- What to do next.
- What to do later.
- What to never do (unless something changes radically).
It’s a mantra that helps them manage complexity without losing momentum. And it’s powered by data, trust, and a team that’s fully engaged.
A few final words
With 37 years in the vending industry, Tony’s seen it all. But the core challenges haven’t changed. “It’s a service business,” he says. “Machines are what we install. But the real work is in people and delivery.”
Vendmanager helps Vendaid run a tighter, leaner, more insightful business. But just as importantly, it gives them space to focus on what matters most — serving customers, building trust, and staying a step ahead.
Fast Facts
- A price audit using Datakey uncovered 1,780 discrepancies—over 1,500 fixed within weeks.
- The team reduced warehouse stock by improving real-time ordering and reducing guesswork.
- Operators are carrying less, driving less, and visiting only when needed.
- Trust in the system has grown across the team—from office staff to warehouse to operators.
What happens when a vending operator fully commits to doing things right—from the car park to the back office? Bettavend’s journey with Vendmanager shows how clarity, collaboration, and data-driven decisions can lead to smarter operations and stronger results.
Connect Vending uses Vendmanager to bring clarity, consistency, and control to their entire operation. See how the team turns insight into action across service, stock, finance, and strategy.
Uncover how Smart Stores are transforming U.K. vending with flexible, self-service solutions, enhancing consumer convenience and operational efficiency.