Abstract: A system (8) for managing multiple dispensing units by communicating information through a communications network (12) is provided. The system includes a plurality of dispensing units (10) operable to transmit and receive information through the network. Each dispensing unit includes a plurality of bins (20) operable to hold a quantity of product. Each dispensing unit includes a plurality of reference level sensors (72) where each reference level sensor is coupled to an associated bin. Each reference level sensor is operable to determine when the quantity of product in the associated bin drops below a reference level (76) that is higher than an out of stock level (82) of the associated bin. Each dispensing unit includes a controller subsystem (34) coupled to the plurality of bins, to the plurality of reference level sensors, and to the network.