7-Eleven operates one of Asia's densest convenient store networks in Taiwan. To reach high-traffic locations like offices, transit hubs, and campuses, the brand deployed "Mini Stores." These are satellite vending units that stock beverages, fresh food, and daily essentials.
Operating these 24-hour unattended retail points presented unique challenges that traditional stores never face. The network required a software-driven infrastructure capable of handling Taiwan’s fragmented payment landscape and keep transactions running in locations with unstable connectivity.
"The offline transaction capability saved our operations. It allowed us to save all business data locally and sync it later. Poor connectivity won't stop our sales any more."
Project Manager, 7-Eleven Mini Store
The challenge: Unstable network and fragmented payment
Before implementing a unified smart retail platform, the Mini Store operation faced critical hurdles that threatened the viability of the business model:
- Connectivity constraints: Traditional vending systems rely on constant cloud connections. In basements or remote corners with weak signal, machines often went offline. Every dropped connection meant lost revenue.
- A complex payment landscape: Consumers in Taiwan use a mix of cash, coins, and digital methods (LinePay, JKOPAY, EasyCard, iCash). Existing systems struggled to integrate these into a single interface.
- Mixed hardware types: The fleet consisted of new and legacy machines. Centralized management and data synchronization was nearly impossible.
- No visibility into operations: Without real-time data, operators could not optimize replenishment. Stockouts and spoilage followed, a serious problem for fresh food.
To support sustainable expansion, 7-Eleven Taiwan needed a robust, offline-resilient software platform to unify diverse hardware and guarantee transactions under any network condition.
The solution: VendSolution AIoT + SaaS with hybrid architecture
7-Eleven partnered with VendSolution to deploy a smart retail management system built for reliable self-service commerce. Unlike cloud-only solutions, VendSolution implemented a hybrid edge-cloud architecture.
Three core pillars for this solution:
- Edge-Computing transaction engine: Ensures full operational capability without internet access.
- Unified payments: Integrates 90% of Taiwan’s mainstream payment methods into one system.
- Error-proof user experience: A simplified UI designed to minimize user friction.
Implementation: Building a resilient unattended retail network
Phase 1: Ensuring transaction continuity through offline mode
The system caches product data and transaction logic locally on device.
When network connectivity drops, the system automatically switches to offline mode. Customers continue purchasing with cash or stored-value cards.
Transaction data is stored locally and synchronized to the cloud once connectivity returns. No data is lost. Financial reconciliation stays accurate.
Phase 2: Unifying payment processing
VendSolution system is compatible with various payment hardwares. It supports:
- Cash: Coins and banknotes, still essential for certain customer segments.
- IC Cards: EasyCard, iCash, and other transit cards.
- Mobile Payments: QR code scanning for LinePay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
Phase 3: Data-driven operations
With devices connected, VendSolution deployed a SaaS platform for centralized operations. Fleet managers view real-time inventory, temperature, and device health on a single dashboard.
Key capabilities delivered
Offline-resilience
The system is able to process transactions in dead zones. By storing business logic at the edge, a lost internet connection never results in a lost sale.
Smart inventory & restocking
The platform generates stockout reports and track sales in real time. Field operators receive precise replenishment plans. This reduces unnecessary trips and ensures fresh items, such as bento boxes, remain available during peak hours.
Simplified user interface
Complex interfaces deter users. VendSolution designed a custom H5 interface with error-prevention principles. Large elements and simplified flows allow users of all ages to complete purchases with minimal cognitive effort.
Unified hardware management
The platform acts as a middleware layer. 7-Eleven Taiwan manages a mixed fleet of vending hardware, including retrofitted second-hand machines, in one system. This extends the lifecycle of existing assets.
Results: Robust expansion
- 100% transaction reliability: Offline transaction caching eliminated revenue loss caused by unstable network.
- Business stability: The digital infrastructure allowed the operation to shift from maintenance to expansion.
- New formats: The flexible software foundation supports new retail formats, such as pay-per-use beverage processing machines.
With VendSolution, 7-Eleven Taiwan has extended its retail footprint into locations that traditional stores cannot reach. The Mini Store network delivers the convenience store experience anywhere, anytime.
About VendSolution
VendSolution specializes in unattended retail solutions. Since 2012, we have supported global brand owners and vending operators with an AIoT-based platform that unifies retail machines and delivers real-time operational insight. Managing over 400,000 terminals worldwide, we help customers build efficient, predictable retail infrastructure.
