First it was homes, then phones, and now it’s the turn of smart supermarkets. The shopping experience is already benefiting from Artificial Intelligence in an advance that favors both the consumer and the brands and establishments.
Behind the placement of products on supermarket shelves there is a whole marketing strategy. According to studies, 52% of consumer perception is directed to the products that are placed in front of their eyes, and 26% to what is within reach of their hands. Store managers are well aware of this data and have been trying for years to capture the attention and loyalty of their customers by facilitating the purchasing process. The novelty introduced by Artificial Intelligence is that it makes it possible to know this type of data in real time and, in addition, to predict future behavior.
One of the most promising AI capabilities in the retail sector is to create more human and personalized user experiences by analyzing and streamlining processes while making employees’ jobs easier. According to the consulting firm IDC, 50% of the most mature supply chains are already using AI in their processes by 2020.
Some large chains such as Carrefour or Walmart are already benefiting from the advantages that this cutting-edge technology brings to their businesses in areas such as theft control or inventory management. Artificial intelligence solutions such as our CPG Analytics open up a whole world of possibilities for businesses that make the decision to implement it in their work, but where to start, without losing sight of the main objective, the customer?
The first factor that can greatly benefit from AI is stock management, as it prevents both product depletion and wastage of perishable foods in advance, thus creating a more sustainable store.
The organization of the shelves is another potential point of improvement, since with the analysis of images in real time it is possible to check immediately and accurately that the products indicated have the correct quantity, position and price, facilitating and speeding up the work of the stockers, as well as eliminating possible human errors.
Beyond the logistical level, image capture makes it possible to study in depth the shelves and the interaction of customers with them in order to optimize the layout of the store, making it more human, intelligent and adapted to the customer.
All these advances and digital strategies are helping us to move towards an improved, personalized and updated shopping experience, as well as an environment that responds in a real and effective way to our needs.