VendScape Product Information 

 


 
Data Collection and Cleansing Database Building and Deliverables 
 
MSA and Validata together are bringing original information to the Vending Industry by collect UPC level information from a base of forty thousand machines. This data set is collected on each machine visit for every column/row or slot within the machine.
   
Data Collection and Cleansing    
   
Validata the leader in software systems for the Vend Operator has established themselves on the forefront of technology. MSA is well known within the packaged goods industry and has provided solutions for business for over 30 years. Together the two companies have collaborated to bring a service that will establish an industry standard.

Vend Operators of all sizes are providing information to Validata by using the route operators handheld system. This information is collected at the individual vending machine and is downloaded to the VO host on a daily basis. The standardization process begins with the VO as transaction level detail passes through a multi-tiered filtering process utilizing Validata's RoutSail® system. Initially, VO's accounting for over forty thousand machines are selected for the project. A geographic and demographic mix as well as a statistically balanced sample determines this selection process.

The standardization process continues as Validata polls the UPC information weekly, maintaining an UPC master and assigning product and machine attributes. Validata provides the standardized data to MSA in a Data Factory format weekly.

Cleansing of data is one of MSA's fortes. We believe this is an integral part in the transformation of data into information. Extensive validity and integrity checks on the UPC codes and attributes are performed and inaccuracies are identified for correction.

Once the data has met the criteria established for acceptability, it is then processed though MSA's Data Factory© system. This system was developed by MSA and currently is used to provide information on 600,000 stores to a number of Fortune 100 companies.


Database Building and Deliverables   
 
Databases allow maximum flexibility

A weekly multi-dimensional database is built on a monthly basis. 
Geographies
Machine level information is maintained as well as future projections to national and regional universes. Additionally, machine attributing allows reporting and analysis by Location Type (Public, Education, Office, Factory, etc.), as well as clustering machines by market, zip code or demographic criteria.
Brands
The dataset is segmented into two main databases: Beverages and Snacks & Confections. These databases contain all UPC level information, brand and manufacturer totals. This information can also be sliced and diced based on one or any combination of product attributes. Category information is retained for Cold Cup, Hot Cup, Cigarettes and Food. 

Measures
MSA is compiling numerous sales and operational measures. This sample will allow for a broad range of statistical analysis. Included are:

  • Net dollars and units sold
  • Wholesale and current sales price
  • Stale dollars and units
  • Beginning and ending inventory
  • Position by row and column
  • Par and spiral/slot depth
  • Number of full and spot fills
  • Over/Short 
Time
The daily transactional data is received and compiled weekly and updated every 4-weeks. This information is retained to create a five-year database.
Deliverables

As a Data Providers you can immediately start making more informed decisions as you access your company's machine level information as well as regional and national benchmarks using Vendscape's Business Web.

As a Subscriber, you can utilize the actionable regional and national benchmark data that you access through Vendscape's Business Web to gain insight to current product and market trends. This data access tool, used by a number of Fortune 500 companies, will allow easy access and analysis of the VendScape information. All proprietary information is protected with leading edge technology and you hold the access key.

If you are interested in becoming a participating Vend Operator or a VendScape subscriber, please contact Validata and ask for information on the VendScape service at 334-834-2324 or e-mail us at marketing@validata.org or vendscape@validata.org.


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