Crane Merchandising Systems (CMS) is launching a new multi-lingual Product Configurator, set to revolutionise the vending machine ordering process for Europe.
The development offers customers a unique multilingual portal through which they can place and process orders online. CMS customers can take advantage of the easy-to-use configurator by accessing a new secure area through the CMS website, http://www.cranems.co.uk/.
Customers in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia and France can use the website to order bespoke vending machines in their native languages. Versions in Portuguese and Turkish are under construction and further European languages will be added in the future.
The online ordering tool makes the machine ordering process seamless: it combines ease of use with the functionality required to process complex vending machine orders. Customers can log on to place orders through the use of a username and password, whilst guest users can access the site in order to preview the options available.
Simon Heath, CMS’ Sales Director comments: ” Our Product Configurator has been in development for some time now and we’ve worked with some of our customers to trial the system before its formal launch. Over 70 per cent of our UK customers are already placing detailed orders with us online.
“Success in Europe, where our sales are growing at over 25 per cent year on year, has encouraged us to develop a version with multiple language options and we’re confident that this will allow international customers to place orders quickly and easily.”
Once logged in, users are able to build up their required vending machine specification quickly and easily by using simple drop down menus. Customers can build their bespoke machine with options such as door colours, graphics and keypad layouts. There’s a full range of drink specifications plus extras including a choice of water filters and hygiene kits.
After the order has been placed, a product code is automatically created that represents a customer’s individual product specification and the order is sent electronically to Crane’s sales order-processing department. Subsequent correspondence is then continued in the desired language.
One of the CMS customers that has contributed to the ongoing trials of the Product Configurator is Bunzl Vending Services. Feedback from Karen Nicholls, Administration Supervisor, has helped CMS to address the needs of its customers and to create a system that’s easy to use.
“I worked with Crane when they were piloting an earlier version of the Product Configurator and the new system is great to use. It cuts out any opportunity for information to be misinterpreted and does away with the need for faxed confirmations.
“Its ease of use is thanks to the simple drop down menus that help build the machine that is required. If you miss anything, the Configurator prompts you to return to add all the information that’s required.
“At Bunzl we typically need a mix of beverage and snack machines and ordering what we need via this system is very easy. Once the order has been submitted, a confirmation email is automatically generated giving you a last chance for changes. I normally receive a delivery date within 24 hours of placing the order.”
http://www.cranems.co.uk/
