In a perfect world perfect tuning would have all products run out at the same time exactly when the perfect schedule had someone arrive to restock resulting in 100% sales and 0% lost-sales. In the real world a 100% tuning is not possible, but much better than 50% is certainly necessary. A completely empty machine at restock time begs the questions:

• How long has it been out?
• How many sales did I loose?
• Do I need higher capacity machines, more machines, or simply an adjustment to the restock schedule?
• Is doing nothing the best option?

Without accurate and on-demand CodeRealm provided real-time sales and machine status information, answers to those questions are essentially guesses.

Currently, diligent attention and hard work can achieve operations into the 80% range. The average range will be less because tuning takes several weeks and should be done at least once each season. Attempting to push much beyond the 80% level increases the chances of lost-sales and increased labor, machine, equipment, fuel, and other operational costs begin to cancel subsequent revenue increases.

A 1025 model cold beverage vending machine with ten slots capable of holding up to ten different products of 25 items in each slot has just been installed at a new location. Initially the machine is filled with 10 different products for a completely full capacity of 250 items. Selection slots numbered zero through nine are filled initially with products numbered zero through nine.

Old World Tuning Detail

Old World Tuning End of Quarter

Next: Old World Tuning Thirteen-Week Detail