Dispenser and dispenser monitoring systems and methods

A method of monitoring a dispenser for hygiene products, the method comprising:

• providing a dispenser that has an electromechanical switch that operates when a hygiene product is dispensed, an action of dispensing the hygiene product causing the electromechanical switch to convert a mechanical energy associated with the dispensing action into electrical energy, the dispenser further being provided with an emitter that uses that electrical energy to emit two signals each time a hygiene product is dispensed, the two signals including a first signal and a second signal different from the first signal;
• and
• providing a receiver which wirelessly receives the two signals emitted by the emitter, the receiver being positioned remotely from the dispenser and the receiver transmitting data related to the dispenser to a central computer or server,
• wherein the emitter emits the first signal when a push button of the electromechanical switch is actuated and emits the second signal when the push button of the electromechanical switch is released,
• wherein the receiver determines the push button is depressed based on the first signal and determines an amount of hygiene product is dispensed based on the first signal, determines the push button is released based on the second signal and determines no hygiene product is dispensed based on the second signal, and calculates an amount of the hygiene product remaining based on distinguishing the first signal indicating the push button is depressed from the second signal indicating the push button is released.