When deploying touch screen vending machines, ensuring access to the delivery location is a critical consideration. Although this may seem like an obvious requirement, it is frequently overlooked during the initial stages of client project discussions. Early determination of access can prevent future complications, such as delays, aborted jobs, increased logistics costs, and other non-recoverable expenses.
Large format touch screen vending machines are often bulky and heavy, posing significant challenges, especially in older buildings not designed to accommodate such equipment. Therefore, we always request customers to complete a site survey during the early stages of project discussions. This proactive measure helps us identify potential access issues and avoid abandoned deliveries due to machines not fitting through doorways, corridors, alcoves, or being too large for lifts. Accurate and thorough completion of these forms is crucial, as guesswork can lead to costly errors.
The site survey is a mandatory requirement for our specialist hauliers. It ensures they are equipped with the necessary tools to safely deliver the machine to the designated location. This process minimises the risk of abort charges, which are fully applied when incomplete or inaccurate information is provided, and these charges are subsequently passed on to the client.
For added peace of mind, we offer a premium specialist site survey service. This service streamlines the process by eliminating the need for clients to complete site survey forms and transferring full liability to the specialist haulage company responsible for delivery or collection. The site survey is meticulously documented by the crew, and following the site visit, a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) is produced and shared with the client.
When conducting the survey independently, we advise clients to walk through the delivery route, starting with parking arrangements. Considering that 95% of deliveries are executed using large 18-tonne vehicles with tail lifts, it is essential to establish suitable offloading points and identify any traffic restrictions, such as red routes. For more challenging deliveries, low loading vans can also be considered, but this can lead to increased costs.
Key factors to consider include the smallest apertures along the delivery route (typically door or lift entrances), steps, kerbs, or ramps from the unloading point, and any railings or obstructions. Additionally, the internal usable footprints of lifts, including weight limits and door sizes, should be assessed. Stairs should be avoided if possible, as they incur higher charges due to the need for specialist equipment (i.e. stair-lifters, robotic stair-climbers) and additional crew. Health and safety are paramount when manoeuvring large machines on stairs, and even if the stairway width is sufficient, landing and turning areas must be accurately measured and documented. A minimum turning circle of 2m x 2m is required to ensure safe delivery.
We also recommend clients provide a video walkthrough from the delivery point to the installation location. This allows our team to evaluate the route and identify any potential issues.
In certain cases, cranes may be used to gain access. While this is a more specialised and costly option, it may be necessary. It is crucial to confirm good access before bespoke machines are commissioned, vinyl fitted, and any custom software is added, as charges will still be passed to the client if access issues arise.
One final consideration for machines with chiller units is the additional space required at the rear of the machine, which is not reflected in the machine dimensions. Refrigeration units need adequate airflow to operate efficiently. Therefore, it is essential to allow a minimum of 12cm at the rear of any refrigerated machines during location planning. Chiller units that operate without sufficient ventilation must work harder, reducing their efficiency and overall lifespan. If machines are installed without the necessary airflow, this voids the equipment warranty.
If you have any doubts regarding suitability and size, please contact us to discuss the options.