Smart Shelf technology is one of the manifestations of the digital revolution sweeping the world – and the retail industry is not left out.
In previous articles in our series of texts on modern technology in retail, we have already written about Digital Signage (https://perfecta-retail.com/digital-signage-6-advantages-for-retail/), Phygital (https://perfecta-retail.com/phygital-what-is-this-beast/) and Omnichannel (https://perfecta-retail.com/omnichannel-3-benefits/), and other topics.
Today we’ll step between the aisles and look at how modernity is changing something as seemingly trivial as an ordinary store shelf.
Smart Shelf – what is it?
It’s nothing more than intelligent shelf or rack that use various technologies to improve warehouse or store management processes. It can be equipped with sensors, RFID systems, cameras, scales, and software to monitor inventory levels, locate products, and track the movement of goods.
As a result, it allows for more efficient inventory management, which in turn contributes to increased sales, reduced costs, and better product control. Intelligent shelves can be used in a variety of industries, such as retail, the medical sector, and even in libraries!
Not surprisingly, some of the world’s largest companies have joined in actively developing the technology. Amazon, Microsoft, Dell – these are just 3 of a number of multinational corporations that are working to develop and improve their systems.
Pros of the Smart Shelf technology
The use of this technology in retail helps increase sales and improve the shopping experience of customers by providing better accessibility and visibility to products and reducing queuing times.
First, by equipping them with sensors and RFID systems, intelligent store furniture can monitor stocking levels and automatically order new merchandise when quantities fall below a set level. It is also capable of notifying – by email or through a special app – when the shelf runs out of products.
In addition, the rack can be equipped with systems that allow products to be identified with bar codes or RFID tags. This makes it possible to track exactly which items in the assortment are most frequently sold and how many of them have been consumed, making it possible to set inventory levels even more precisely.
Smart Shelf’s goods ordering function and out-of-stock notification counteract the adverse phenomenon of running out of a particular item on the shelf. This is a benefit to retail stores, brands, and customers alike, who want to make sure they have access to their favourite products.
With this solution, retail stores can increase the efficiency of their inventory management processes, leading to improved customer service and increased customer satisfaction.
The second functionality of intelligent shelving is to enable real-time control of the planogram, or pattern of product placement on the shelf. Vision systems monitor the layout of the assortment and compare it with the plan, so brands can be assured that their products are where they should be.
Third, by monitoring the movement of goods, Smart Shelf can detect changes in product demand and respond to them in real time. For example, if a particular product category is in high demand, the store can increase its capacity and the number of products on display.
Smart Shelves can also be equipped with contactless payment systems, allowing customers to make quick and easy transactions. By reducing queuing time, customers may feel more satisfied and be more likely to visit the outlet again.
Fifth, with Smart Shelf technology, it is possible to reduce theft within the store. Many Smart Shelves are equipped with various sensors that can help detect unauthorized access to products and detect theft early.
In addition, some smart shelf systems use technologies such as machine learning and data analytics to detect suspicious behaviour and predict potential security risks.
For example, these systems can analyse customer behaviour patterns and notice when someone starts behaving suspiciously, moving products around on shelves without a specific purpose, or taking more than the usual amount of a particular product from a shelf.
In addition, the introduction of Smart Shelf technology leads to increased staff efficiency, as intelligent racks allow for the automation of many warehouse management and replenishment tasks, allowing staff to better focus on serving customers.
This is also an advantage for the brand’s sales representatives, who have quick access to information on whether the outlet is following its planogram and ensuring that the shelves are properly stocked.
Benefits galore
So, smart shelving allows for improved inventory management efficiency, optimised shop space planning, increased staff efficiency, improved customer experience, and enhanced store security.
Therefore, more and more retail managers are choosing to try this technology in their shops. Experience shows that the best results are obtained by combining sensor technology for monitoring shelf inventory with vision systems for ensuring planogram adherence.
Smart shelf technology is also of great interest to brands, especially tobacco companies, who know how critically important it is for customers to be sure that they can buy their favourite products with ease.
Of course, Perfecta, as a producer of retail furniture, has long been working on its own Smart Shelf system. Our aim is for the customer to be able to convert their existing backwalls into smart shelves without any problems and at a low cost by means of special pushers lined with modern technology.
Keep an eye on our blog and our LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfecta-retail/) and you will be the first to know when it is ready!
