EuroCIS 2019: Retailers set sights on store optimisation
Retail technology suppliers from 37 countries converged on Düsseldorf to demonstrate the latest innovations at the 2019 European Central Information Systems (EuroCIS) show this week, by staff writer
Store optimisation topped the agenda at EuroCIS, with the sheer numbers of new digital store automation systems making up the majority of exhibits, including flexible, modular and mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Other examples included electronic shelf labels, out-of-stock monitoring, people counting, cash management, inventory management systems and the latest in scan-and-go mobile payments.
Digital enablement via mobile supports the ongoing influence of online on retailer operations in this region – a trend that continued from the NRF trade show, which took place in the US last month.
Christian Wehner, SAP digital ambassador, advised retailers not to underestimate the importance of digital technologies, like mobile and artificial intelligence (AI) on retail at the event’s accompanying forum.
“We need to innovate by design, not exception,” said Wehner. “We’ve seen how software has introduced new intermediaries that offer greater levels of transparency for consumers. This is moving into the B2B space now too.”
He highlighted an SAP solution for Swarovski, which streamlined the returns process by using a machine learning app to assess pictures of returned items and determine manufacturing faults.
Modernising experience
Even inventory management was tied back to instore efficiency, such as on-shelf availability, as Sunrise Technology, a subsidiary of US grocer The Kroger Co., partnered with Microsoft to showcase its video system.
So, customer-facing store operations still outnumbered those aimed at the back office including shop associate mobile clientele systems and facial recognition-powered smart mirrors, kiosks and displays.
The Internet of Things (IoT), AI and robotics were also strong themes throughout the show, while Start-up hub newcomers were given the chance to present at a dedicated lecture forum facilitated by Berlin Valley.
Award winners
In addition, the EHI’s 12th Retail Technology Awards Europe, saw twelve equal winners recognised across four categories at a gala ceremony for attendees.
Best Instore Solution was won by French grocer Bio C’Bon with its geolocated digital price tags from SES Imagotag; while German grocer Edeka and electronics retailer Saturn won for its T-Systems Wi-Fi people counting systems and MishiPay RFID-protected scan and go systems respectively.
The full list of awards winners across the other three categories of Best Customer Experience, Best Enterprise Solution and Best Omnichannel Solution are listed on the awards’ website.