MORRISONS has rolled out a major change in thousands of stores to help fill in shelves – and staff say it’s a “sign of the future”.
The giant supermarket is shaking up stores nationwide with a game-changing tech.
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Morrisons is set to introduce AI-powered cameras across thousands of its UK stores.
In a pioneering move, the supermarket has partnered with US-based AI company Focal Systems to adopt the new tech.
Cameras will be able to monitor when shelves need to be replenished by providing real-time data.
It will use various codes to identify when a shelf is running low or out of stock.
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But manufacturers claim the high-end tech can do much more than that.
They claimed it can help with other retail aspects – including merchandising, ordering, pricing, and labour management.
Toby Pickard, global insight leader at IGD, said: “Other retailers that have used the same technology have found it helps store staff to respond quicker to out-of-stocks, mitigating potential lost sales, and improves the overall shopping experience.
“It will also allow Morrisons to manage in-store operations more efficiently.”
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According to The Grocer, Morrisons has already been piloting with the AI cameras.
Bosses say the move comes in a bid to improve the shopping experience of thousands of customers.
The new AI cameras mean staff will be able to focus more time on delivering customer service.
Morrisons CEO Rami Baitié said the retailer plans to strengthen communication with suppliers and align product offerings with customer demands.
Jeremy Pugh, VP of sales at Focal Systems, has partnered with BRC to introduce the tech across different stores.
He said: “Given the severity of the current labour and supply chain challenges that UK retailers face, there is nobody who needs this technology more.
“Our partnership with the BRC will enable us to best help the UK retail community overcome these challenges and continue to serve their customers.”
The retailer plans to roll out the cutting-edge cameras nationwide by the end of the year.
A source from Morrisons said: “The trials are thought to have been successful and people have seen benefits and good results.
“But that is a fear for the future of retail staff? Is this a sign of the future? Where does it leave people?”
However, Morrisons is not the only retailer to bring new tech to its stores.
It comes as Sainsbury’s trialled new electronic security cabinets in a bid to tackle theft at the booze isles.
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Customers could soon find locked self-service cabinets containing spirits at their local stores.
The new tech would ask shoppers to complete a four-step process on a touchscreen to open the cabinet and nab their favourite spirits.
How will the Morrisons AI cameras work?
THE giant retailer is set to install new AI-powered cameras in thousands of stores nationwide.
Cameras will monitor shelves using four key codes:
- OOS – for out of stock
- PLANO – for planogram non-compliance
- LOW – for low stock
- RESTOCKED – for when a product is back on the shelf
