How VMFS Designs, Engineers, and Deploys Custom Automated Retail Systems

Custom vending solutions are not off-the-shelf products.

They are engineered systems.

VMFS custom builds follow a structured, multi-phase process to ensure:

• Technical feasibility
• Regulatory compliance
• Operational scalability
• Financial clarity
• Long-term supportability

This guide outlines how the custom deployment process works.

Phase 1: Discovery & Strategic Alignment

Every custom project begins with clarity.

We define:

• Product category, beverage, fresh food, nicotine, electronics, specialty, etc.
• Location environment, indoor, outdoor, controlled access, high-traffic
• User interaction model, touchscreen, AI, open-door, age verification
• Compliance requirements
• Deployment scale
• Data & reporting needs
• Advertising or monetization goals
• Payment integration requirements

This phase determines whether:

• Existing chassis can be modified
• A new platform must be engineered

Custom begins with definition, not fabrication.

Phase 2: Feasibility & Technical Design

After requirements are defined, VMFS evaluates:

• Mechanical delivery method, spiral, pusher, elevator, AI open-door
• Cooling or heating requirements
• Security reinforcement
• Connectivity, WiFi, 4G, 5G, Ethernet
• Payment system compatibility
• Age verification system, if required
• Software integration capability
• Hardware modifications

This phase may include:

• Engineering consultation
• 3D mockups
• Layout schematics
• Hardware architecture review

At this stage, budget range is refined.

Phase 3: Compliance & Risk Review

For regulated deployments, e.g., nicotine, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, we assess:

• Local regulatory restrictions
• Age verification requirements
• ID scanning compliance
• Logging & reporting requirements
• Regional sales restrictions

Enterprise builds must align with legal frameworks before production begins.

Compliance planning reduces future liability.

Phase 4: Commercial Structuring

Before production, we define:

• Unit quantity
• Deployment timeline
• Pricing structure
• Payment schedule
• Support level
• Warranty extension, if applicable
• Software licensing, if applicable
• Advertising framework, if included

Custom machines are built to specification.

All custom projects are final sale once production begins.

Phase 5: Prototype, If Required

• Prototype unit may be built
• Internal testing conducted
• Client testing conducted
• Adjustments documented

Prototype validation ensures scalable success.

Not all custom projects require prototyping.

Phase 6: Production & QA

• Engineering specs are locked
• Production begins
• Internal quality assurance conducted
• Software provisioning completed
• Hardware stress testing completed

Custom builds may require longer lead times than stock models.

Timeline depends on complexity.

Phase 7: Logistics & Deployment

Enterprise deployments may include:

• Bulk freight coordination
• International logistics planning
• Container shipping
• On-site delivery scheduling
• Phased rollout strategy

Custom logistics planning is handled in coordination with the client.

Phase 8: Software & Data Integration

If project includes advanced systems:

• Cloud monitoring setup
• Payment gateway configuration
• API integrations, if applicable
• Reporting dashboards
• Ad management system, if included

Enterprise clients may receive structured reporting tools.

Phase 9: Launch & Optimization

• Performance monitoring begins
• Sales data evaluated
• User behavior analyzed
• Adjustments recommended

Enterprise deployments often include structured performance review.

Ongoing Support Structure

Custom solutions include:

• Dedicated communication channel
• Technical coordination
• Replacement parts structure
• Software updates, if applicable

On-site support terms vary by agreement.

Customization Scope Examples

VMFS custom builds may include:

• Fully branded cabinet design
• Structural reinforcements
• Outdoor weatherproof modifications
• Age-restricted product control
• AI open-door technology
• Multi-temperature zones
• High-security enclosures
• Interactive touchscreen advertising
• Data tracking integrations
• Network-level management

Customization is engineered, not cosmetic.

What Custom Does Not Include

• Performance guarantees
• Regulatory approval guarantees
• Location traffic guarantees
• Automatic processing approval

Equipment deployment is separate from market success.

Timeline Expectations

Custom builds may require 8–16+ weeks depending on complexity.

Complex regulatory systems may require longer timelines.

Planning prevents rushed execution.

Final Thought

Custom automated retail requires:

• Strategic clarity
• Technical engineering
• Compliance awareness
• Financial structure
• Deployment discipline

VMFS custom solutions are built for:

• Scale
• Compliance
• Infrastructure maturity

This is not consumer vending.

This is enterprise deployment.