Retail Automation

As we anticipate the retail store of tomorrow, we may envision a mishmash of technologies such as electronic shelf labels, smart shopping carts, and wandering robots throughout the aisles. In the retail sector, numerous innovators are passionately working to address critical issues, including extended checkout queues, out-of-stock items, staffing shortages, and logistical dilemmas. 

The rapid surge of eCommerce in recent times has brought about a transformation in the purpose of physical stores. Brick-and-mortar establishments are now distinguishing themselves by providing shoppers with delightful experiences, valuable support and advice from store staff, and immediate access to their desired products. Convenience and efficiency are being prioritized by retailers more and more in order to meet customer expectations that have been heavily influenced by the digital world. 

Innovation involves foresight. For retailers, it entails understanding the desires and requirements of shoppers even before they themselves become aware of them. Retailers must strive to anticipate the future of retail in order to accurately recognize and invest in transformative technologies that will keep them ahead of the competition. 

For retailers, evaluating the success or failure of various technologies in a competitive ecosystem can be difficult. How can they tell which technology will actually revolutionize the retail sector and which will be superfluous? In sum, how are educated investment choices made by entrepreneurs possible? In the end it all comes down to simplicity. 

According to experts, innovation is progressing across three primary avenues: automation, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced experiences. In a world heavily influenced by the emergence of AI applications, automation and data-driven operations are closely intertwined. As data analytics and artificial intelligence continue to advance, grocery stores will have the capability to provide highly personalized shopping experiences, including tailored product recommendations and customized promotions and discounts. 

According to a recent report by IGD, there are five pivotal technologies that will significantly impact the retail industry in 2023 and beyond. These technologies are: 

Automation: This includes concepts like cashier-less and hybrid checkout systems, smart vending solutions, AI-powered scales, and the use of robots for store operations such as shelf management. 

AI-driven insights: Retailers will harness data to enhance pricing strategies, reduce costs, optimize store operations, and deliver improved experiences and personalized offerings. 

Cybersecurity: As data-driven retail becomes more prevalent, retailers will prioritize investing in new solutions to ensure the security and appropriate usage of data. 

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the shopping experience by providing immersive and interactive experiences for customers. 

Sustainable solutions: Retailers will increasingly focus on eco-friendly practices, such as reducing packaging waste, implementing energy-efficient systems, and promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain. 

Web of the future: The emerging concept of the metaverse is poised to revolutionize experiential grocery shopping by offering a range of innovative features, including visual search capabilities, seamless payment systems, and enhanced personalization. This virtual environment will enable shoppers to explore and interact with grocery products in immersive and interactive ways, creating a seamless and tailored shopping experience. 

Investing in digital infrastructure will enable everything from smart pricing to store robots for cleaning that also serve as a fleet of operations monitors. This infrastructure will also include cloud computing, green data centres, and networking. The impact of data-driven retail operations 

According to a recent Google Cloud report titled “Transforming food, drug, and mass merchant retail with AI,” the authors suggest that the 2020s will witness a shift from mobile innovation and omnichannel experiences to the era of AI-powered processes and experiences in the retail industry. The researchers identified 75 use cases throughout the entire retail value chain where AI and machine learning (ML) can generate or enhance value for retailers. In each of these cases, AI/ML proves valuable by addressing traditional challenges through innovative solutions, heralding a new approach to problem-solving in the retail sector. 

Google Cloud envisions a future store where various AI-powered capabilities play a vital role. This includes personalized promotions and recommendations at the top of the sales funnel, AI-driven loyalty programs, intelligent picker routing for efficient order fulfillment, smart pricing strategies, and optimization of inventory and assortment. Additionally, in the background, data-driven and AI-powered logistics processes work together to streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency. By integrating these advanced technologies, the future store aims to provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience while leveraging data-driven insights to optimize various aspects of retail operations. 

Among these technologies, frictionless checkout emerged as a significant driver of value for retailers, estimated to reach a value of up to $98 billion in 2023*. By leveraging computer vision and data analytics to enable cashier-less checkout, retailers can minimize or redirect labor resources, provide exceptional shopping experiences, and improve store monitoring for enhanced efficiency. This approach allows retailers to gather valuable data by capturing both consumer actions and the products they select in-store. Although frictionless checkout presents technical complexities, it holds substantial potential for creating high-value outcomes in the retail industry. 

Among these innovations, frictionless checkout stands out as the most valuable for retailers, projected to generate up to $98 billion in value by 2023*. Through the utilization of computer vision and data analytics, retailers can implement cashier-less checkout systems, leading to reduced labor requirements, improved shopping experiences, and enhanced store monitoring for greater efficiency. By capturing both customer actions and the products they select, retailers can gather valuable data. While frictionless checkout presents technical complexities, it also holds significant potential for delivering substantial value to the retail industry. 

Digit7 specializes in developing advanced digital products with a primary goal of assisting retailers in reimagining the customer experience by accelerating innovation, simplifying retail processes, improving operational efficiencies, and maximizing return on investment. Their focus is on addressing key business challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and creating tailored products specifically designed for the retail industry. It is dedicated to deploying innovative solutions that cater to the unique needs of retailers and drive transformative outcomes.