/answers/how-to-check-vending-machine-stock-with-computer-vision/index.md · 42 lines
---
title: "How to check vending machine stock with computer vision"
description: "A small camera inside each machine or cooler door takes a photo of the shelves at set times, or the route driver takes one photo per machine on each visit. A model trained on the operator own images counts the items in each slot or shelf area, marks empty and low slots, items in the wrong slot, items past their shown date where labels are visible and damage such as cracked glass or a stuck spiral. Each machine result is tagged with its ID and place, so the route planner can build pick lists before the truck leaves and skip machines that do not need a visit. Aim cameras at the shelves rather than at the customer side, and blur anyone who appears. The route lead reviews the lists and decides stops, loads and repairs. The model does not replace sales records, food safety checks or site agreements, and people make every route and restock call."
url: https://lidvizion.ai/answers/how-to-check-vending-machine-stock-with-computer-vision/
site: Lid Vizion
index: https://lidvizion.ai/llms.txt
---
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# How can a vending or micro market operator use computer vision to see what needs restocking before a route?
A small camera inside each machine or cooler door takes a photo of the shelves at set times, or the route driver takes one photo per machine on each visit. A model trained on the operator own images counts the items in each slot or shelf area, marks empty and low slots, items in the wrong slot, items past their shown date where labels are visible and damage such as cracked glass or a stuck spiral. Each machine result is tagged with its ID and place, so the route planner can build pick lists before the truck leaves and skip machines that do not need a visit. Aim cameras at the shelves rather than at the customer side, and blur anyone who appears. The route lead reviews the lists and decides stops, loads and repairs. The model does not replace sales records, food safety checks or site agreements, and people make every route and restock call.
## What this means in practice
- Start with a few machines on one route.
- Label photos from your own machines by product and slot.
- Aim cameras at the shelves and blur anyone who appears.
- Build pick lists from the counts before the truck leaves.
- Compare counts with sales records each week.
## How Lid Vizion approaches it
We start with the business decision and operating context, define ownership and measurable milestones, then use configuration, integrations, automation, or custom software only where each earns its place.
## More on Automation & custom AI
- [How can a restaurant group, commissary or food service site use computer vision to check walk-in coolers and freezers?](https://lidvizion.ai/answers/how-to-check-walk-in-coolers-with-computer-vision/)
- [How can a golf course, sports field or grounds crew use computer vision to keep track of turf condition?](https://lidvizion.ai/answers/how-to-monitor-turf-with-computer-vision/)
- [How can an irrigation district, county or farm use computer vision to check canals, ditches and culverts?](https://lidvizion.ai/answers/how-to-inspect-canals-and-culverts-with-computer-vision/)
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