The power of one ecosystem: how Valk Exclusief centralized all self-service payments
Guests expect a seamless experience the moment they walk into a Valk Exclusief hotel.
Yet behind every coffee, snack or on-the-go purchase sat a complex mix of machines, payment flows and systems that created friction for both guests and staff.
By unifying all self-service coffee payments through SmartNow and Adyen, Valk Digital (the internal digital and IT division) gained real-time control across every Valk to go-shop and removed complexity where it mattered most.
The result is simple: technology that stays in the background, teams that can focus on hospitality and guests who feel the difference without ever seeing the complex system behind it.
When Self-Service Works, Everything Moves Faster
Why fragmented machine fleets slow organizations down. And how alignment changes everything. Walk into any modern fuel or energy station, and you will see it immediately. Self-service is everywhere. Coffee machines near the entrance, vending units along the wall, turnstiles in the back, and a carwash terminal outside that seems to greet every customer on autopilot.
The digital euro and other fintech innovations that will impact payments in self-service and retail
Fintech is hotter than ever. Consumers have never had so many ways to pay, and more are to come. Today, we talk to Atze Faas, a payments expert, about innovations in payments. What can retailers expect from developments such as the digital euro?
Data on payments in Europe: the sense and nonsense about cashless for self-service and retail
“What will be the first country to go completely cashless?” We’ve heard this question in retail for some time now. But will it actually happen? SmartNow talked to payment expert Atze Faas to learn more about this development and what it means for self-service retail in Europe.
How smart self-service plays an essential role in the transition to mobility hubs
As the transition to electric vehicles progresses, it is evident that service stations are evolving into true mobility hubs. The demand for these hubs, where customers can stop, relax, and shop, is growing exponentially. These destinations provide a hassle-free retail experience, encouraging customers to stay longer and visit more frequently. We will explore how a new generation of self-service machines are essential in this transition.