Egyptian Gold Vending Machine - Case for the Financial Sector

Case Background

In Egypt, the introduction of gold vending machines in shopping malls and airports has pioneered a new way of buying gold. These kiosks not only energize the economy, but also promote a consumer culture that is independent of economic fluctuations and provide a quick and easy gold buying experience.

Case Study Themes

The core analytical objective of this case study is to explore how self-service gold vending machines provide convenience and fast service while ensuring the security of the transaction and the safekeeping of the gold.

Self-service product technology introduction

The gold vending machine is equipped with a 19-inch wide display, intuitive menu selections and a POS payment module to support non-face-to-face ordering and payment by users. The machine has a built-in high security dynamic electronic combination lock for gold protection as well as an A4 printer and voucher printer for printing gold certificates and purchase vouchers.

1. Customer Description: Introducing the customer and the background of the requirement

The machines are distributed in Egypt and operate mainly in shopping malls and airports, selling gold on a self-service basis to revitalize the economy while promoting a culture of unaffected consumption and providing quick access to products and services. The number of self-service vending machines is increasing with the growing demand for self-service culture and accessibility.

2. Client Objectives: Functions and Objectives the Client Wants to Achieve

(1) As this is an unmanned and self-service vending machine, it must be possible to order and pay non-face-to-face through the kiosk.

(2) As the specifications are sold, it must be possible to order and pay for the products in a non-face-to-face manner.

(2) Due to the different sizes of products sold, multiple aisles must be selected for product storage and sale.

(3) Due to the sale of gold related products, a high security and safety dynamic electronic combination lock must be added to ensure the safety of the gold inside.

(4) Adding A4 printer and voucher printer for printing gold certificates and purchase vouchers.

Technical Challenges

Security: The sale of high value products requires extremely high security measures.

Product Diversity: Ensure that multiple sizes of gold can be accurately supplied.

User experience: Streamline the purchasing process and keep the user interface user-friendly.

What problems and challenges will be encountered in realizing this order (through difficult problems, to pave the way for subsequent solutions and demonstrate the company's problem-solving prowess)

Specific solutions and application design innovations

Intuitive user interface: Simplified menus and operational processes enhance the user experience.

Built-in security measures: Using the same dynamic electronic combination lock as bank ATMs improves the security of gold storage.

Surveillance system: Built-in and external cameras monitor the gold storage and selling process, enhancing transparency and security.

Multi-size storage: Controlled conveyor system stores gold products of different sizes, providing diversified choices.

Unique machine housing design: 2.0mm cold rolled steel plate is used, which is stronger than 1.5mm steel plate commonly found in the market.

(1) For convenience, it must be possible to order and pay by yourself.

(2) As the products for sale are more expensive, it is essential to improve the safety of the machine.

(3) Due to the large variety of products, it is essential to sell exactly what the customer needs.

Solution: What are the behaviors through which the program and functions are achieved

(1) Equipped with a 19-inch wide display for intuitive menu selection and POS payment module.

(2) Built-in A4 printer and thermal printer for printing gold certificates and purchase records.

(3) One built-in camera and one external camera for recording the internal gold storage and selling process as well as real-time viewing of inventory.

(4) Built-in selling module and control conveyor system to store different sizes of gold products. The gold is conveyed through the control system.

(5) Built-in dynamic electronic combination locks used in bank ATMs, it is not possible to directly open the box where the gold is stored, a different combination is required for each opening.

3. Results and Benefits: What are the results improvements and benefits brought by this program.

(1) Through self-management of order and payment acceptance tasks, labor results and management costs were effectively reduced, which directly helped to increase the number and amount of gold sold.

(2) A wide range of gold specifications are stored and sold to meet the needs and choices of customers.

Accurate and fast ordering process shortens customers' purchasing time and increases their purchasing satisfaction.