Overview

1. The Vending Channels

This section describes the functionality of the netVend solution, the interfaces between end-users, vendors, netVend and supply authorities.

1.1. The Vending Portal

The netVend vending solution is a web-based system which can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Users can log on at www.netvendna.com to perform various functions.

• Authorised supply authority personnel can log on to manage accounts, generate engineering tokens, run real time reports and monitor sales.
• Vendors can log on to sell tokens and run batch reports.
• End-users can log on to purchase tokens or reprint previous tokens.

Only registered users can access the system through their unique logon name and password. The system operates from any internet enabled device and on any of a variety of internet browsers.

1.2. The Vending Channels

netVend has several vending streams that can be deployed. These are described in further detail below:

1.2.1. Cellphone:

External vendors may use their personal cell phone as a vending device. The external vendor will use their cell phone to purchase tokens from the supply authority on behalf of customers. The token can be returned to the vendor or alternatively be sent directly to the end-user or to both the vendor and end-user at the same time.

Registered end-users can also use their personal cell phone to purchase tokens directly from the supply authority. This allows end-users to purchase tokens for their meters from the comfort of their homes, or anywhere else in the world, and not have to carry hard cash around to purchase at a vending station.

This solution will assist in reducing congestion at vending points whilst adding the convenience of not having to leave your home/office to purchase tokens. This also increases the access to sales 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

1.2.2. Internet:

Just as with the cell phone channel, registered end-users can access the netVend solution via the internet to purchase tokens directly. The portal can also be made available through links on the supply authority’s website, should this be preferred. The site allows the end-user to either SMS the token to his (or any other) cell phone, email it or print it. netVend will debit the end-user’s registered bank account directly and transfer the money to the supply authority at agreed intervals.

 

1.2.3. Point of Sale (POS)

The POS can be a standard personal computer or handheld POS device with reliable internet connection or cellular reception. The bandwidth for each POS is determined by the transaction volume for that particular point. Connection to the internet can be through a Virtual Private Network (VPN), 3G/4G data cards, ADSL or fixed line. Cellular connection can be through any of the local networks.

All tokens will be requested, generated and printed through the netVend web portal. Tokens can be issued from the POS in the format of SMS, email or printout. This enables customers to purchase a token at the vending point and have it SMSed or emailed directly to users at the meter. A slip printer will be connected to the POS for printed tokens.

2. Vendors

There are two types of vendors - internal and external vendors. Internal vendors are salaried staff who perform sales for the supply authority at fixed vending points. External vendors are supplementary vendors who are contracted by either netVend or the supply authority to perform sales on behalf of the supply authority.

2.1. Internal Vendors

Internal vendors are generally the supply authority staff selling tokens at supply authority venues (offices/branches). Internal vendors sell tokens via a POS with a receipt printer. Handheld POS devices also works through the cellular network and can act as fall back option in the case of internet failure.

2.2. External Vendors

External vendors (also commonly referred to as community vendors) are non-supply authority vendors (e.g. supermarkets, service stations or individuals). These vendors are usually nominated by the supply authority but contracted and managed by netVend.

External vendors can be any individual within the community that has a cell phone or an internet connected device. These vendors will be required to preload vending credit onto the system and can only vend available credit. External vendors will be appointed by netVend following consultation with the supply authority to ensure best placed and reliable services can be offered to the community.

These vending streams increase the vending footprint and experience to the end-user by introducing an unlimited amount of vending points (dependent on the supply authority agreement/requirements). This also provides several smaller external vendors the opportunity to generate an additional income. The supply authority has the option of using one or all the above vending channels.