On September 11, more than 5,000 people enjoyed a unique experience at Poble Espanyol during the Brunch Electronik event. But this time, the music wasn't the only thing that marked a turning point. For the first time in Spain, a 100% automated reuse system was implemented with Encore reusable cups equipped with RFID technology and an integrated solution for immediate deposit refunds.
And best of all: no tokens, no lines, no hassle.
Smart Flow: the technological revolution in reuse
The ENCORE! proposal combined the following into a single service:
- Encore cups with individual RFID tags.
- RFID reader mats installed at points of sale.
- Our new automatic cup collection machine.
- A fully integrated system with the card reader (Square), which links each sale to the cup delivered and its corresponding deposit.
The result? When an assistant returned their cup to the machine, the deposit was automatically refunded to the card used to pay for the drink. In many cases, the refund notification arrived on their cell phone within seconds.
Goodbye tokens, hello smart system
Until now, many events operated with manual systems, physical tokens, or return tents. But in this pilot, attendees did not have to do anything other than return their cup to the machine. The system recognized the cup, identified the purchaser through its RFID, and automatically processed the return.
This allowed:
- Eliminate queues at return points.
- Streamline bar management without affecting service times.
- Facilitate a 100% cashless event that is safer and more fluid.
Minimal learning curve, wow effect guaranteed
One of the big surprises of the event was how easy it was to use. Although this was the first time this system had been used, attendees quickly understood how it worked. ENCORE! deployed staff alongside the machines to explain the process, but it was clear that the system was intuitive and efficient. Most users were impressed to see their deposit appear directly in their bank account seconds after returning the cup.
Cutting-edge technology
The entire system was tested to ensure it would operate smoothly at the event bars, including:
- The software that connects the point of sale with RFID glasses.
- Integration with the Square payment system.
- Complete traceability of each cup: from delivery to return.
In addition, key KPIs were recorded during the event to validate the effectiveness of the pilot, including:
- Percentage of transactions processed without tokens.
- Percentage of returns processed automatically in less than one minute.
- Uptime of RFID devices.
- Reading efficiency in the harvesting machine.
- Traceability of cups from sale to return.
These indicators will enable us to continue refining the system and replicate it on a larger scale at future events.
One step closer to sustainable, efficient, and connected events
This deployment at Brunch Electronik marks a milestone in the management of reusable cups in Spain. Not only because of the technology applied, but also because of the experience enjoyed by attendees and the operational impact for the organizer. Thanks to Smart Flow, reuse is no longer a logistical obligation but has become a smart, agile, and scalable solution.
And this is just the beginning. At ENCORE!, we are already working to implement this solution at more events on the Brunch circuit, and we are open to collaborating with other festivals, stadiums, and major organizers who want to take this technological leap in their operations.
Do you want your event to be part of this revolution?
Contact us and discover how to apply Smart Flow to your next event here.
