Case Study: H-TECH PLC – The Brain Behind Smart Vending in Kenya
Manual vending has long been associated with product loss, pricing disputes, and lack of accountability. For years, vendors in Kenya selling essential products like cooking oil, water, and milk relied on guesswork, recycled containers, and hand-held scoops — a method that not only risks hygiene but also makes it difficult to grow or manage a serious business.
To solve this, Herritech Ventures Ltd. developed the H-TECH Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) — a locally engineered system that powers smart vending with automation, tracking, and digital control.
The Challenge
Many vending operators in Kenya faced common problems:
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Inaccurate manual measurements and product loss
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No way to track daily sales or quantity dispensed
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Theft or mismanagement by shop attendants
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No integration with mobile money services like MPESA
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Limited ability to serve customers in small, custom portions
These issues limited profits, reduced customer trust, and made it difficult to expand or monitor multiple machines remotely.
The H-TECH PLC Solution
The H-TECH PLC was introduced as a cost-effective, programmable control unit specifically designed for small-scale African vending businesses. Its core features include:
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Accurate dispensing based on programmable quantity or amount
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MPESA integration for secure and automated cashless payments
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LCD or LED display showing money received and liters dispensed
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Daily tracking of sales and product volumes
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Password-protected access for calibration and refill settings
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Anti-theft design with secure enclosures and refill logs
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Option for coin acceptance or smart token access
The PLC is suitable for use in milk ATMs, water refilling machines, cooking oil vending units, and detergent dispensers.
Results in the Field
Since its launch, the H-TECH PLC has been installed in over 1,700 vending machines across Kenya. Some documented benefits include:
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Full accountability: every liter dispensed is recorded
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Profits increased by up to 40% due to reduced theft and accurate pricing
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Vendors can sell from as low as KES 1, serving both bulk and micro buyers
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Multiple machines can be operated by one person with minimal oversight
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More customers are attracted due to transparency and fairness in vending
For example, a vendor in Nakuru using the H-TECH PLC in a milk ATM reported a 3X increase in customer retention and halved spoilage losses — all within two months.
Why H-TECH PLC is a Game Changer
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Locally made and supported in Kenya
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Works with all types of vending cabinets: stainless steel, MDF, mild steel
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Easy-to-learn interface and setup — no IT degree needed
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Ready-to-integrate with existing MPESA API or future upgrades
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Excellent post-sale support from Herritech Ventures Ltd.
It’s not just a controller — it’s the central command system of every smart vending business.
Conclusion
If you want to sell liquid or semi-liquid products in an accurate, secure, and professional way, the H-TECH PLC is your answer. It gives you full control of your machine, ensures trust with your customers, and makes your business future-ready.
Call to Action
Ready to power your vending machine with a smart PLC system?
Contact Herritech Ventures Ltd. today and take the first step into automated, accountable vending.
H-TECH Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
The H-TECH Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a state-of-the-art automation solution designed to streamline industrial processes with precision and reliability. Engineered with advanced technology, the H-TECH PLC offers seamless integration, robust performance, and easy scalability to meet the demands of various industries.
Key Features:- High Processing Speed: Ensures fast and accurate execution of complex automation tasks.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports a wide range of communication protocols for easy integration with existing systems.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive software interface for easy programming and monitoring, reducing the time required for setup and adjustments.
- Modular Design: Flexible and expandable architecture, allowing for customization to suit specific industrial requirements.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh industrial environments, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal downtime.
- Energy Efficient: Optimized for low power consumption, reducing operational costs while maintaining high efficiency.
- Advanced Safety Features: Includes built-in safety mechanisms to protect both the system and operators from potential hazards.
The H-TECH PLC is ideal for industries such as manufacturing, food and beverage, water treatment, and more, providing a reliable and efficient solution for automation and process control
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