Automatic paper product dispenser with data collection and method

A dispensing system, comprising:

• a sheet feeding mechanism configured to feed sheet material from a roll of sheet material;
• a separation mechanism for separating one or more discrete sheet products from the roll of sheet material;
• a presentation station for presenting the one or more discrete sheet products to an end user;
• a sheet product conveying mechanism configured to convey the one or more discrete sheet products to the presentation station;
• a sensor downstream of the sheet feeding mechanism and upstream of the sheet product conveying mechanism, the sensor being configured to detect a presence of the sheet material;
• and
• a controller configured to facilitate dispensing of the one or more discrete sheet products to the presentation station in response to a signal, wherein the signal is initiated at a cash register a display, a keypad, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch screen display, a control panel, or a microphone.