Managing reusable cups at events represents a great opportunity for sustainability and differentiation. However, many times the price of the drink is increased to cover the cup deposit, which can generate resistance from the public. ENCORE!'s Smart Cup System arrives to eliminate that barrier, offering a solution that digitizes and automates the entire process, facilitating operations for both organizers and attendees, without the need to increase the cost of the drink.
What is the Smart Cup System?
ENCORE!'s Smart Cup System is an intelligent ecosystem that digitizes and automates the management of reusable cups, without the need to increase the price of the drink. In this way, both organizers and attendees enjoy an agile and effective system that facilitates reuse and reduces costs.
Key Components
- Smart Cups with QR code
- Each cup has a unique QR code, allowing you to know when it is used and returned.
- Facilitates traceability and stock control, reducing fraud or errors.
- Contactless No Deposit
- Links the cup charge to the user's bank card.
- The cup is only charged if it is not returned, eliminating the need to pay in cash and streamlining logistics.
- Smart Containers
- Automatic return points with a scanner to read the QR code on the cup.
- Reduces waiting time and the need for staff exclusively for refunds.
- B2C Landing & Dashboard
- Landing page for attendees: facilitates communication about the system, promotes activations, and displays useful information (return points, available balance, etc.).
- Dashboard for the organizer: provides real-time data on stock levels, returns, performance, and environmental footprint.
- Professional Washing
- Management of cups post-event, guaranteeing hygiene and quality through certified processes.
- Enables cups to be reused up to 100 times.
Benefits for the Organizer
- Reduced Costs and Losses: Lower replacement rate for lost cups and minimized return fraud.
- Reduced Operational Load: The system handles returns, eliminating queues and the need for staff dedicated to managing deposits.
- Real-Time Data: Improved decision-making thanks to instant information on cup usage and returns.
- Virtual Interactions and Marketing: The cup's QR code can enable new promotional actions, loyalty campaigns, or online surveys, strengthening the connection between the event and attendees.
- Measurable Sustainability: Traceability allows calculation of the number of cups reused, waste avoided, and carbon footprint reduced.
- Optimal User Experience: Being an agile and clear system, it improves perception and participation in reuse.
Benefits for the Attendee
- Agile Return: Avoids queues, as Smart Containers automate the registration and refund process.
- Transparent Payment: If you return the cup, you are not charged. No more lost tokens or cash payments.
- Interaction with the Event: The cup's QR code can offer promotions or brand activations.
- Sustainability: Participate in a more ecological and responsible model, with less waste.
How it is Implemented
- Pre-Event
- Configuration of the QR, Cashless, and Smart Container system.
- Integration with POS if the venue already uses digital payment solutions.
- Physical installation of automatic containers at strategic points within the venue.
- During the Event
- Scanning of cups at the bar to link them to the user's account.
- Automatic charge if the cup is not returned in Smart Containers.
- Replenishment of clean cups and collection of dirty cups.
- Post-Event
- Data generation on returns, losses avoided, and waste reduction.
- Washing and storage of cups for future events.
- Sustainability report, with calculation of the reduced ecological footprint.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
- Technological Dependence: Good connectivity is required at the venue. Offline backup systems are being considered.
- Learning Curve: For both attendees and event staff. Clear communication and prior training are planned.
- Initial Cost: Includes hardware (Smart Containers) and software. A scalability or rental model is offered for events.
- Space and Logistics: It is necessary to plan where the containers will be placed and how to manage the flow of people.
Conclusions
The Smart Cup System is the natural evolution in the management of reusable cups, aiming at the digitization and automation of operations. With this solution, ENCORE!:
- It enhances the sustainability of events by ensuring the traceability of each cup and reducing losses.
- It improves the experience of users and organizers by eliminating manual steps and confusion in the return process.
- It offers real-time data and greater cost control, boosting profitability and informed decision-making.
Simplify cup reuse and take your event to the next level with the Smart Cup System!
Contact us and discover how to implement it in your next edition, transforming the way your attendees experience sustainability at events.
