Singapore-based company Easy M Smart Technologies has created a “smart micro mart” that offers offices and coworking spaces unsupervised snacks for sale that relies on integrity to prevent theft.
To pay, customers use the SGQR code printed on the shelf, which then allows them to pay for the product using methods such as DBS PayNow, NETSPay, and others.
Director Ong Beng Ann said that the product is aimed at the “new generation of office workers” who are seeking more food choices rather than your average vending machine.
Easy M’s micro mart can stock up to 300 products at once. Businesses pick which snacks the micro mart will sell by ordering through the app. Options include Lays potato chips and caramel corn.
With no labour costs involved, Easy M is able to offer lower prices than convenience stores, but still collect a decent profit.
The only catch with an unmanned shelf is the possibility of theft. To avoid this, the micro mart is offered only to closed office spaces and not public areas.
“We have generally found that Singapore companies are very focused on credibility and trust among co-workers,” Ong said, and also added that the company has had no theft issues so far.
