• Dual Goals of IoT Implementation: The study emphasizes that the Internet of Things (IoT) is deployed in convenience retail with two primary objectives: increasing operational efficiency (cost reduction, process optimization) and significantly improving the customer experience (convenience, personalization).

• Key Operational Use Cases: On the operational side, the biggest potentials are seen in “Smart Shelves” for real-time inventory monitoring to prevent out-of-stocks, and predictive maintenance for critical equipment like cooling units and coffee machines to reduce downtime.

• Enhancing the Customer Journey: IoT is used to create seamless shopping experiences. This includes technologies for frictionless/checkout-free stores (similar to Amazon Go concepts), personalized marketing via beacons that send location-based offers to smartphones, and intelligent digital signage that adapts content based on the viewer.

• Data as the Central Asset: The successful implementation of IoT relies heavily on data. The sensors and connected devices generate massive amounts of data that must be effectively collected, analyzed, and turned into actionable insights to realize value.

• Significant Barriers Remain: Despite the potential, the study highlights major hurdles to widespread adoption, including high initial investment costs, a lack of standardized interfaces between different technology providers, and ongoing concerns regarding data privacy and security.

Download the study here: IoT im Convenience Kanal