The Internet of Things was launched in the early 1990s at a company called Real Time Data. #IoT
This was my first startup after getting out of the military. We brought vending machines to life with embedded software and hardware, early wireless data technology, and graphical software running on Windows.
Our IoT technology allowed operators to know the current state of their vending machines from across town or even across the country. This revolutionary service reduced costs, increased sales and enhanced customer satisfaction.
With VendLink up and running, route drivers only had to visit their vending machines when they needed restocking or mechanical service. Yes, we accurately predicted machine failures without Machine Learning technology. Furthermore, we learned customer preferences to deliver more of the products that people wanted which made each vending machine more profitable.