That’s it — you’ve taken the leap. You’ve ordered Automat-e vending machines. In just a few weeks, they’ll arrive at your location, be installed, and your business will be ready to launch. But what happens between the moment you sign the order and the moment your vending machine is delivered? Step behind the scenes at Automat-e — we’re revealing everything!
📌 AT A GLANCE
• A smart locker is custom-built according to your project and requirements;
• Production follows a rigorous process to guarantee quality and reliability;
• Each machine goes through several stages: assembly, wiring, testing, and quality control;
• Purchase and functionality tests are carried out before shipping;
• The average lead time between order and installation is 12 weeks;
• Installation is handled by specialized teams with complete commissioning;
• Training is provided so you can operate independently from day one;
• An in-house after-sales service supports you after installation to ensure business continuity.
What Happens After You Order Your Vending Machine? 🔧
🔹 Launching Production of Your Smart Lockers
Our sales assistant, Laetitia, receives an alert for every new signed vending machine order. She collects the file from the sales representative and enters all your equipment details into our production tracking system: customer information, locker color, layout, options, and more. She then informs our Industrial Director, who launches production of the machine, as well as our Installation Manager, who prepares an assembly diagram used during delivery.
🔹 Rigorous Monitoring for Your Vending Machine
To improve efficiency during manufacturing, we designed a detailed process that tracks every stage of production, ensures the machine performs correctly, meets announced deadlines, and guarantees that no step is overlooked. Quality comes first! A production tracking file is then created and follows your machine through every department — a true roadmap for your project.
Manufacturing Your Vending Machine: Production Stages and Monitoring 🏭
🔹 Production Launch
Production of your vending machine begins. Your food vending machine first goes through the partition preparation station. It then moves through assembly, façade installation, wiring, insulation, and electronic board installation. We then handle the electrical components of the locker: control terminal, payment terminal, cabinet connections, refrigeration unit, and more. Finally come the finishing touches, such as router inspection, equipment cleaning, skirting boards, and installation of finishing panels.
🔹 Testing Phases During Manufacturing
Throughout the manufacturing process, our teams carry out a series of meticulous tests to ensure the locker functions and is assembled correctly. First, the team checks all connections and ensures the locker doors open properly. Purchase tests are then performed. Before packaging, the team verifies via a checklist that all standard controls are validated. This guarantees that you receive a fully tested and efficient vending machine, ready for immediate use upon installation.
🚛 Delivery and Installation of Your Vending Machine
🔹 Your Vending Machine Ready for Shipment
Great news! Your connected machine has completed the production line. It is then packaged carefully, placed on pallets, and prepared for shipment. Our operator performs one final inspection to ensure all elements of your order are gathered in your shipping area. On the installation date agreed upon with our Installation Manager, our installers load the lockers and head to your site.
🔹 Our Installation Team Ensures Your Vending Machine Operates Perfectly
The truck has arrived — get ready! After unloading your new vending machine, the Automat-e team installs, connects, configures, and tests your equipment before commissioning.
🔹 Commissioning and User Training
It’s then time for hands-on training with a short session on how to use your vending machine: how to load it, how to use Le Kiosque — our remote management software, how to reset the machine, and how to perform purchases. From that point on, you become the conductor of your new business — so it’s essential that you fully understand how your locker works!
What Is the Manufacturing Lead Time for a Connected Locker? ⏳
On average, each assembly station (there are six in total) requires approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to manufacture your locker. The control terminal alone requires 5 hours of work. From signed order to delivery of your vending machine, the average timeframe is around 12 weeks. We manufacture our lockers on demand to best meet each customer’s needs and offer a fully customizable and modular product. Our industrial expertise guarantees the premium quality of our equipment.
An In-House After-Sales Service for Your Vending Machine 📞
One of our strengths is also our fully in-house after-sales service. Customer satisfaction is one of our top priorities, and we are always available whenever you need assistance. Every piece of customer feedback is also carefully analyzed to continuously improve our machines and the features we offer.
Your locker is now manufactured, installed, and ready to operate. You are officially ready to reinvent your business and boost your growth. The entire Automat-e team wishes you great success!
For any new vending machine project or extension request, contact our sales department at +33 (0)3 20 96 76 02.
📍 FAQ – Manufacturing and Installation of a Connected Locker
🔹 What is the manufacturing lead time for a vending machine?
The average lead time is 12 weeks between order validation and installation. This timeframe allows us to design custom equipment, perform all necessary tests, and guarantee optimal quality.
🔹 How is a vending machine manufactured?
Manufacturing follows several stages: component preparation, assembly, wiring, installation of electrical and refrigeration systems, and finishing work. Each stage is carefully checked to ensure equipment reliability.
🔹 Is the connected locker tested before delivery?
Yes. Before shipment, each machine undergoes a series of tests: locker opening verification, purchase simulations, connection checks, and overall functionality validation.
🔹 How does on-site installation work?
A specialized team travels to your location to install your connected locker, connect it, configure it, and carry out the final tests. The installation is turnkey for immediate commissioning.
🔹 Is training provided after installation of the connected machine?
Yes. A quick training session is provided to teach you how to operate your connected locker using our management software, Le Kiosque: software management, restocking, sales monitoring, and routine operations.
🔹 Can a connected locker be customized?
Absolutely. Our in-house graphic designer customizes your lockers to reflect your brand identity: colors, logo, and more. Everything is designed to make your locker stand out and attract customers.
We also offer a wide range of different modules: the Compact 10 or 14, as well as modules 15, 21, 24, and 28. Automat-e has innovated to allow you to combine refrigerated, dry, or even frozen modules within a single installation.
Each locker is fully configurable to perfectly match your business activity and installation requirements.
