Client: Backbar
Partner: Custom Data Solutions
Overview
Backbar set out to revolutionize the way venues serve drinks — creating an Automated Drink Dispensing System that integrates directly with major POS systems, streamlines operations, and provides real-time business intelligence. Custom Data Solutions delivered a full-stack platform that powers everything from hardware to dashboards to maintenance support.
Project Highlights
We engineered a sophisticated, scalable solution connecting physical drink dispensing hardware with smart software, ensuring operational excellence and actionable insights for every location.
Key Features Delivered
Automated Drink Dispensing
- Designed and supported the Machine App for seamless dispensing workflows.
- Enabled OTA (Over-The-Air) and Remote Firmware Updates for machines in the field.
- Provided Maintenance Support protocols for minimal downtime.
POS and Order Management Integration
- Developed Custom Integrations with top POS systems:
- Toast POS
- Square POS
- Custom POS Systems (via AWS Kinesis streams)
- Enabled Menu Import and Management directly from POS systems.
Recipe and Menu Flexibility
- Built comprehensive Menu/Recipe Management tools.
- Supported Recipe Customization by Location for regional variations and promotions.
- Delivered Multi-Tenant Architecture to manage multiple venues independently but centrally.
Admin Portal and Reporting
- Developed a web-based Admin Portal using Flutter/Dart for cross-platform access.
- Implemented Reporting and Dashboarding with:
- Metabase (Custom Analytics)
- Notion (Operational Playbooks and KPIs)
- Delivered real-time Business Metrics and KPIs tracking beverage sales, waste reduction, and machine performance.
Technology Stack
- AWS Aurora RDS / MySQL (Database)
- AWS Lambda / Serverless (Backend)
- Flutter/Dart (Web Portal and Machine App)
- Embedded Firmware/Hardware (for the drink machines)
- Metabase (Reporting)
- Notion (Documentation and Collaboration)
- AWS Kinesis (POS event streaming)
The Results
Built a scalable infrastructure ready to expand to hundreds of locations.
Increased drink service speed by 60% at high-volume venues.
Reduced waste and overpouring by 25% across all partner locations.
Delivered actionable KPIs in real time to operators and executives.
Enabled OTA firmware updates, minimizing the need for on-site servicing.