With 30 years of experience, ASCO Drinking Machines is one of the leading manufacturers of innovative beverage dispensers with FRUCTOMAT. The Upper Austrian company specializes in the development of solutions for the preparation and dispensing of fruit juices and beverages and has relied on the expertise of Ginzinger electronic systems as a reliable partner for EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) for many years.
ASCO was looking for an advanced and user-friendly HMI solution for a new generation of fruit juice vending machines in the catering sector, as well as for the dispensing of special drinks for fitness centers. With Ginzinger as an electronics expert, the company was able to implement a customized solution that combines technological innovation and optimum customer benefits.
The challenge
ASCO-FRUCTOMAT planned to fundamentally modernize the existing user interface of its machines. The aim was to significantly increase user-friendliness and versatility while developing a powerful control system that meets the requirements of modern HMIs.
The solution not only had to be technically impressive, but also ensure easy integration of numerous interfaces - a decisive factor for use in various catering environments.
The solution: A customized HMI
The requirements were precisely analyzed in a workshop with the HMI experts from Ginzinger electronic systems. The result: an individually developed hardware platform based on the embedded Linux distribution GELin. This powerful basis uses the i.MX8M Plus processor and, with 1 GB RAM and 4 GB eMMC memory, provides a solid foundation for demanding applications.
Technical highlights:
- 10-inch touch display: For intuitive, multilingual operation and the display of advertising and customer information.
- Versatile interfaces: Ethernet, WLAN, CAN, RS232, RS485, USB, audio output and microphone input.
- Flexible control: Digital inputs and outputs, a buzzer and a real-time clock ensure precise and reliable functionality.
The hardware was tailored precisely to ASCO's requirements, while the software application for the new user interface was developed by partner company sequality software engineering. The implementation was carried out by the ASCO team.
The customer benefit
The new HMI solution from Ginzinger brings numerous advantages for ASCO:
- Greater user-friendliness: the modern touch display ensures intuitive operation and significantly improves the user experience.
- Maximum flexibility: Thanks to the wide range of interfaces, the solution can be easily integrated into existing and future systems.
- Future-proof: The powerful hardware platform and the use of modern software technologies make it possible to keep the vending machines up to date in the long term.
- Increased efficiency: Thanks to the tailor-made solution, ASCO-FRUCTOMAT and its customers benefit from an optimized user interface that simplifies and accelerates processes.
“Our aim was to create a solution that is not only technically impressive, but also offers end users real added value. By working closely with ASCO, we were able to develop a system that optimally combines functionality and user-friendliness.”
The road to success
The collaboration began in 2022 with an initial offer. Following a detailed requirements analysis and the development of a prototype, sample devices and a pilot series were manufactured at Ginzinger electronic systems. The HMI for ASCO's beverage dispensers has been in series production since 2024.
The close exchange between ASCO-FRUCTOMAT and Ginzinger electronic systems, as well as the long-standing partnership, formed the basis for the successful course of the project.
“Since the start of the company, our important goal has always been long-term cooperation with professional and reliable partners on an equal footing, with fairness and mutual respect. We have successfully developed and expanded our cooperation with Ginzinger over many years. A good and successful future can only be shaped with long-term partnerships on the customer AND supplier side!”
About ASCO-FRUCTOMAT
The family business was founded in Enns in 1995 and has been known for its innovative beverage production systems under the FRUCTOMAT brand since 2001. The machines prepare fruit juices, soft drinks, teas and sports drinks from concentrate at the point of use with fresh water - still, with CO₂, hot or cold.
Ginzinger - Expert for HMI and embedded solutions
This project demonstrates the versatility and expertise of Ginzinger electronic systems in the development of modern HMI solutions. From the food industry to medical technology, Ginzinger supports companies with customized hardware and software solutions that optimally meet individual requirements.