Security Technology for Vending Machines

Vending machine security is essential, as machines must be protected around the clock from external attacks. This applies to ATMs as well as ticket, beverage, ticket, or cigarette machines. These machines are often freely accessible (parking garages, train stations, shopping centers, public places, etc.). Modern monitoring devices provide additional protection here.

Usually, thieves target the contents of the machine, i.e., the cash or change. We are all familiar with images of blown-up ATMs. For cost reasons, not every machine can be equipped with a built-in safe and dye pack. For parking ticket machines, beverage machines, or snack vending machines, this would lead to a drastic increase in the sales price.

Increasing Vending Machine Security with Didactum Security Technology

The security and monitoring technology manufacturer Didactum Security GmbH, based in North Rhine-Westphalia, offers field-proven solutions for protecting vending machines. Already installed machines can be retrofitted with an alarm system, such as the Monitoring System 100 III. This is a compact measuring and monitoring device with four ports for intelligent sensors. A model with 24V DC power supply is also available.

In addition to door or magnetic contacts, the machine can also be equipped with a combined glass break and vibration sensor. This security sensor can be individually adjusted to the surface to be monitored (glass, wood, steel sheet, polycarbonate, etc.). Furthermore, this sensor features built-in tamper protection. In addition to security monitoring, the Monitoring System 100T can also monitor the machine’s power supply and measure and record the supply voltage.

If desired, the humidity inside the machine can also be monitored in real time (remote monitoring). Optionally, a smoke detector and/or gas detector can also be connected to the monitoring system.

Reliable Notifications and Alarms from the Machine

Each web-based measuring and monitoring system from Didactum operates independently (“stand-alone”), without dependencies on additional hardware or software. Secure access to the German-language web interface is via web browser from a PC, notebook, smartphone, or tablet.

If the web-based monitoring system detects a critical situation or acute threat, such as forced opening of the machine, notifications and fault alarms are sent via email and/or SMS (*via built-in GSM/LTE modem or web-to-SMS server). Manipulation detection and vandalism damage can also be detected and reported early.

The content of the email or SMS alarm can be individually customized using macro functions. Control room staff can remotely access the Monitoring System 100T and use an optional video surveillance camera to get a live view of the situation. The logic built into the monitoring system also supports automatically activating alarm sirens with flashing lights. An active alarm has often driven off would-be thieves!

Additionally, the monitoring system sends notifications in the form of standardized SNMP traps (Simple Network Management Protocol) to automation or management software. The intelligent sensors connected to the monitoring system can also be queried directly via LAN/WAN using SNMP commands. For example, if the internal temperature of the machine falls below or exceeds a threshold, or if the power supply fails, this is remotely transmitted via SNMP to the monitoring software/control room solution (a UPS battery may be required).

Remotely Monitoring the Machine’s I/O Contacts

The Didactum Monitoring System 100T offers additional inputs for Ethernet connection of relays or potential-free fault detectors.

If a technical fault occurs in a beverage, ticket, or fare machine (e.g., defective motors), specific notifications can be sent to the responsible (service) technicians and staff at company headquarters. The 12V switching outputs of the monitoring device can be manually controlled via the web interface (e.g., for door control). Remote switching of relays via SMS command (GSM or LTE modem required) or rule-based switching is also possible.

Access Control for the Machine

If desired, the monitoring system can also be equipped with an RFID or ID card reader. All opening and closing operations of the machine are controlled and additionally logged by the 100 III monitoring system. If desired, the control center can be notified by email and/or SMS* when the machine is opened. Sending video images when the machine is opened is also possible. If an RFID key or ID card is lost, the electronic key can be blocked immediately.

Syslog Event Database & Measurement Data Storage for Operational Information

The web-based monitoring system stores all status changes and critical events in the built-in syslog database. The syslog can be automatically sent to the control center and evaluated there. The integrated measurement data storage (“data logger”) records the temperature measured in real time inside the machine.

A graphical display of the temperature values is possible directly in the web interface of the Monitoring System 100T. If there are problems with the food cooling of the machine, the temperature log can be exported in XML or CSV data format and opened and processed with common software such as Microsoft Excel.

For supervisory authorities or audit purposes, evaluations and documentation regarding vending machine security and temperature monitoring can thus be created.