CONSUMER-BASED PRODUCT ASSORTMENT AND VENDING MACHINE BUSINESS FEASIBILITY: A LEARNING FACTORY PROJECT

Abstrak

This study presents a Learning Factory project that developed an e-Warung business concept combining vending machines for daily necessities with a hygienic booth-container concept for internship participants. The project applied a consumer-oriented planning process consisting of questionnaire-based needs identification, product preference analysis, inventory estimation, vending-machine slot allocation, financial feasibility analysis, and marketing and customer-experience design. A total of 722 questionnaire responses were analyzed, comprising 569 respondents from Site A and 152 respondents from Site B, with one additional discrepancy in the reported aggregate gender count in the source report. The analysis identified strong demand for personal-care and daily-use products, including toothpaste, body soap, shampoo, snacks, beverages, and other essential items. The proposed vending-machine capacity was 240 slots per unit, with four layouts designed for Site A and three for Site B. Product allocation was determined proportionally from estimated stock requirements, while higher-priority products were positioned in more accessible areas. Financial projections indicated monthly post-tax income of approximately IDR 25.2 million for Site A and IDR 17.2 million for Site B. The project also proposed a digital loyalty program, QR-code interaction, responsive interfaces, digital payments, routine maintenance, and a booth-container concept supported by hygiene and operational standards. The project demonstrates how consumer information can be translated into assortment, service, and investment decisions in an automated retail setting. The findings are presented as a feasibility and design exercise rather than realized post-launch performance.