Abstract: A data center supporting a network system for vending products to customers and associated vending methods are provided. The network system includes a data center and a plurality of vending stores remotely located from the data center and connected to the data center through a network interface. The vending stores also include an automated dispensing mechanism for immediate dispensing of purchased products to the customers. The data center may include an enterprise resource planning module and the vending stores may contain user interfaces for collecting inventory and maintenance data during stocking and maintenance.

Abstract: A data center supporting a network system for vending products to customers and associated vending methods are provided. The network system includes a data center and a plurality of vending stores remotely located from the data center and connected to the data center through a network interface. The vending stores also include an automated dispensing mechanism for immediate dispensing of purchased products to the customers. The data center may include an enterprise resource planning module and the vending stores may contain user interfaces for collecting inventory and maintenance data during stocking and maintenance.

Abstract: Provided are automated retail shelf (ARS) units and corresponding network systems for facilitating retail of various product items in retail environments. An ARS unit includes a chassis sized and configured for attaching to a retail shelf unit and being supported by the shelf unit at an elevated level convenient for customer interactions. The ARS unit may be positioned in a retail aisle among other product items, for example, unsecured product items. The ARS unit provides secure storage to specific product items available for sale from the unit. These product items may have high values and be more susceptible to theft unlike other unsecured product items available from retail shelves. The ARS unit may be used to provide information about product items stored in the unit and, in certain embodiments, unsecured product items available from retail shelves, such as indicating location of these items in the retail environment.

Abstract: A data center supporting a network system for vending products to customers and associated vending methods are provided. The network system includes a data center and a plurality of vending stores remotely located from the data center and connected to the data center through a network interface. The vending stores also include an automated dispensing mechanism for immediate dispensing of purchased products to the customers. The data center may include an enterprise resource planning module and the vending stores may contain user interfaces for collecting inventory and maintenance data during stocking and maintenance.