Fujifilm System Services and convenience store chain NewDays began a trial on Monday to use AI image recognition for optimizing product displays [1].
This technology aims to bridge the gap between seasoned employees and new staff by automating the intuition required to manage inventory. By turning complex sales data into a visual map, the system reduces the reliance on veteran expertise and cuts the time staff spend in back-office administration [1].
The system functions by having employees take photos of store shelves using a tablet [2]. The AI then integrates this imagery with actual sales data to color-code products in three distinct colors: high-selling, average, and slow-moving [1, 3]. This visualization allows staff to identify at a glance which items need restocking or repositioning, mirroring the decision-making process of a skilled manager [2].
The trial is being conducted at one NewDays location in Tokyo [3, 4]. The experiment began on July 20 and is scheduled to run through September [1].
Fuki Sato, a NewDays assistant manager, said that since they can now see which products are selling just by taking a photo, the time spent working in the office has decreased. Sato said the benefit of the trial is that the task of creating the sales floor can be entrusted to those with less experience [1].
By simplifying the inventory process, the partners hope to reduce the overall time required for stocktaking and improve the efficiency of shelf replenishment [1, 2]. The collaboration leverages Fujifilm's image processing capabilities and the operational scale of NewDays, which is operated by JR East Cross Station [1, 4].
“The system functions by having employees take photos of store shelves using a tablet.”
This trial represents a shift toward 'democratizing' retail expertise through AI. By converting quantitative sales data into a qualitative visual guide, the companies are attempting to solve the chronic labor shortages and high turnover rates common in the convenience store sector, where the loss of experienced managers often leads to inefficient inventory management.
