Reponse from ValidFill about New Refillable Mugs

So, here’s the email I wrote to ValidFill to get some clarification on the new Refillable Mug system currently being tested at All Stars. I posed as a potentially interested vendor:

Hi,

I sent an email to your info@validfill.com email address, but it was
returned with a “user unknown” 550 error…. Hopefully this address works!

I’ve been looking at your RFID vending products, and had a few questions
that weren’t answered on your site.

1. Is the machine/cup/tag system self-contained, or do we need an external
server? I’m just wondering if all of the data is stored/written to the
RFID tag, or if it writes to some extensive back-end database that we’ll
need to support. –

2. If we’re having issues with the system, or need to override for a
customer, how difficult is this to do? Can a cashier do it, or is it
something that only a manager/supervisor could handle?

3. If the RFID tag is damaged somehow, is there an easy process for
restoring the customer’s information to a new tag/cup?

Thanks in advance,
Leonard Kinsey

—

And here’s the response I just received:

Leonard,

Thank you for your message.

I want to apologize for the info@validfill not working.   We have corrected that
email account and it is now functioning.

Please see my responses to your questions below.

1.  Our system is self contained.   There is not a requirement for an external
server.   All the cup information and data is stored on the RFID tag.  There is not
a need for a back-end server.

2.        There is a bypass switch on the side of our machines to allow a non-rfid tagged
cup to dispense.  The cashier would insert their key and turn it to the bypass
position.

3.        There is not a process to restore information to the users cup if the tag is
destroyed.  We are considering it as a future option.

—

So the main question has been answered here: the data IS written directly to the RFID tag, and does NOT reference a back-end database! As I said previously, this definitely opens up the door for the tags to be hacked, or for “unlimited refill” tags to be programmed and sold by enterprising hackers.

Of course, the easier way to hack the system might be to find a discarded/expired mug and stick it in the microwave, which destroys the RFID tag. Then complain to Customer Service that your mug isn’t working, and have them reissue a new, functional one (you’d have to say that you threw away your original receipt). Stupid guests are always right, right?