Express Vending has recently adapted its Express HUB MicroMarkets to ensure they are COVID-19 compliant, as businesses start to reopen post-lockdown.
Express HUB Micromarkets, designed to keep staff well-nourished around the clock by providing a range of hot and cold refreshments options within an office space or campus, has incorporated changes including:
- Perspex screens and social distancing floor stickers
- Touch-free product scanning and payment with a new smartphone app
- One-way systems to control the flow of traffic
- Hygienic touch-free hand wash stations
Creating a one-way flow of traffic helps to control social distancing measures in a communal space, and individually packaged food and drink give staff peace of mind any items purchased will not be contaminated.
As well as contactless payment options via the kiosk, the Express HUB features its new 365 Beacon App. This allows staff to scan items and pay on their smart device, eliminating unnecessary touch points.
The Express HUB touch-free solution works in conjunction with coffee machines equipped with Distance Selection Technology, as featured recently on Planet Vending. This new technology allows individuals to select a drink by hovering their finger over the selection screen, from a distance of up to 2 cm.
‘Touch-free coffee machines reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses such as Covid-19, without the need to compromise on your site’s hot drinks facilities’, Kelvin Locke, Head of Sales & Innovation for the HUB UK/Ireland told PV. ‘There is also the option to welcome staff back with Express’ Back to Work Boxes. These contain individual hand sanitisers, antibacterial wipes, digital thermometers, face masks and protective gloves.’
The new Express HUB has already been successfully introduced into several work spaces including Collins Aerospace; where installation coincided with the imposition of COVID-19 restrictions. At Collins Aerospace the Express HUB was fitted with hand sanitising stations at both entry and exit points. Two-metre social distancing stickers were incorporated to make the area COVID-19 compliant.
‘We’re extremely excited about the launch of our COVID-compliant Express HUB’, Kelvin said. ‘As businesses begin to think about reopening, this solution will be ideal for supporting shift/flexi-working, as staff won’t have to leave the office for food or drink. The Express HUB is a cost-effective alternative to on-site catering and a step-up from traditional vending, because employees are provided with a huge selection of fresh food, healthy snacks, and hot and cold drinks.’
More on the Express Hub at https://www.expressvending.co.uk/hub
