Consumer companies are exploring smart vending machines that have tiny computers on a wireless network which leverage information like usage data and weather forecasts to determine replenishment schedules.

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They should be thinking about how to position themselves at the center of the energy information network, supplying the pricing and real-time usage information to the customer and his or her machines.

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Because the platform cannot easily access real-time electricity usage information from the utilities, even where smart meters exist.

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