MDB, which stands for “Multi-Drop Bus,” is a communication protocol used in vending machines to allow the exchange of information between different components, such as the payment system, the coin mechanism, the bill validator, and the control board. MDB is a standard developed by the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) and is widely used in vending machines around the world.

MDB solutions have revolutionized the vending industry by making it easier for operators to manage their machines and offer more payment options to consumers. With MDB, vending machines can accept cash, credit cards, mobile payments, and other forms of payment, making them more accessible and convenient for customers.

One of the key benefits of MDB solutions is their compatibility with different payment systems. Vending operators can easily add or remove payment systems as needed, without having to replace the entire vending machine or control board. This allows operators to offer a wider range of payment options, which can increase sales and customer satisfaction.

MDB solutions also make it easier for operators to monitor and manage their machines remotely. With remote monitoring software, operators can check inventory levels, track sales data, and receive alerts when a machine needs servicing. This can help operators optimize their routes, reduce downtime, and improve profitability.

In addition to payment and management solutions, MDB has also enabled the development of innovative vending machine features. For example, some machines use MDB to dispense products in multiple sizes or configurations, allowing customers to customize their purchases. Others use MDB to provide nutritional information or advertising on the machine’s display screen.

Overall, MDB solutions have had a significant impact on the vending industry, making machines more versatile, convenient, and profitable for operators. As technology continues to advance, it’s likely that MDB will continue to play a key role in the evolution of vending machines and other automated retail solutions.

Qibixx and Qiba offer multiple solutions for vendors to interface with the machine via MDB and deploy their applications. We have products that can enable a developer to create applications in a Raspberry Pi for example and deploy it in MDB-accepting vending machines.