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The Day AI Ran the Vending Operation at One of the UK’s busiest Airports

Fara Khan | 15 August 2024

For over 20 years, Broderick’s has been a key player in the vending scene at Manchester Airport. Our commitment to top-notch service is something we’ve always taken pride in, and with the help of AI, we’ve pushed our standards to another level. Our passion for aviation and dedication to excellence has made us an integral part of the airport’s ecosystem, but on Sunday, 23rd June 2024, this dedication was put to the test like never before.

Early Morning Monitoring

Sunday, 23 June 2024, began as a typical day. Despite our offices being unmanned for the weekend, our advanced AI-driven systems and vigilant management team were already at work. However, the morning calm didn’t last long; interrupted by a series of alerts on our mobile phones. Our AI system detected something unusual in vending machines landside (publicly accessible areas of the airport). These machines, which usually have slower sales, were suddenly experiencing a significant spike in activity.  Machines that typically sold around £100 worth of products each day were already doubling that figure – this early warning told us it was time to act fast.

Proactive Response

Thanks to our AI system, we received real-time updates on the machine stock status and other key details, allowing us to quickly reroute our Operators and resources. This swift response ensured we were prepared to manage the sudden surge in demand effectively.

As sales continued to rise, we ramped up additional resources across Manchester, whilst our Team, trained for situations like this, were ready to respond. However, an unprecedented electrical outage caused operational chaos. Despite this, our AI system stepped up, prioritising tasks, pinpointing new hotspots in the airport, and guiding our staff where they were needed most. We worked closely with terminal managers and retail teams to make sure essentials like water were always in stock, further solidifying our reputation as a trusted partner.

Extended Operations and Success

The impact of the day’s events extended beyond Manchester. With flights redirected to Birmingham, Liverpool, and Stansted, our AI system jumped into action, alerting teams at those airports about the potential for increased activity so they could be prepared.

By the end of the day, vending operations at Manchester Airport had exceeded sales records, bringing in several times the usual amount. However, our work didn’t stop there; with colleagues restocking and preparing machines in the afternoon, for the next morning’s influx of passengers. Anticipating continued high demand, we sent in extra staff the following day to manage the backlog, which included opening our warehouse at 6:00 AM to make sure supplies arrived on time.

This day reinforced our role as a reliable and forward-thinking partner, always ready to tackle any situation with expertise and efficiency. As we look ahead, we’re committed to continuing our support for Manchester Airport, using innovative technology to enhance operational excellence.

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