when artificial intelligence helps avoid stock shortages

For customers, nothing is more frustrating than finding empty shelves in supermarkets. Professionals talk about “rupture de stock”. This problem not only affects consumers, but also merchants who lose potential sales. In fact, in one case out of two, the customer does not choose a substitute product, which represents a net loss for the store.

This is where artificial intelligence comes into play, notably thanks to image recognition. Small cameras, the size of price tags, are installed on the gondolas. They regularly take photos of the shelves. These images are then analyzed by powerful algorithms which identify which products are present and, by deduction, which are missing. If a product is missing, the department manager receives an alert and can restock immediately. In addition, if the stock level decreases dangerously, a preventive alert is sent to avoid shortages. This allows to manage departments efficiently, especially in large stores which are often several thousand square meters.

What about customer privacy?

Two questions arise regarding this technology. First of all, Doesn't the presence of customers on the shelves risk hindering the taking of photos? Secondly, what about respecting customer privacy?

For the first point, the photos are taken continuously, which guarantees thatthere will always be one that can be used without customers in front. Concerning privacy, images are not retained. They are simply analyzed and then destroyed, because there is no point in archiving them. Moreover, a leak of these images would be catastrophic for the brandwhich would immediately lose the trust of its customers for not having respected the contract between them.

A more discreet alternative already in place at IKEA

For a more discreet approach, some IKEA stores in Europe use drones that fly over warehouses and stores at night. These drones take photos and film, allowing inventory to be compiled without having to count each product individually.

Here is an example where artificial intelligence proves to be consumers' friend, by reducing stock shortages. The next time you go shopping, you may notice these small, discreet cameras that ensure shelves stay well stocked.

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