Kroger Unveils ZigBee-based Retail Site Intelligence Platform
The Kroger Co. and retail technology solutions providers Wincor Nixdorf and eInfochips have launched a new enterprise IT architecture called Retail Site Intelligence (RSI), a next-generation platform for retail applications such as loss prevention, store automation and analytics.
The platform uses ZigBee wireless mesh networks to integrate long battery life sensors, hand-held devices, point-of-sale devices and video management software.
"Retail Site Intelligence is, above all, about Customer 1st innovation,” said Chris Hjelm, Kroger's SVP and CIO. “We are leveraging technology to help customers have the best possible shopping experience in retail stores, whether by more easily finding the products they want or saving time at checkout. We expect Retail Site Intelligence to be the cornerstone of the technology infrastructure for Kroger stores in the future."
Innovative Solutions
The introduction of the RSI architecture, and the deployment of new retail business solutions by Kroger, culminates two years of global collaboration between Kroger and eInfochips to develop the underlying technology products. The results of this phase of development are new wireless devices (cameras, scanners, scales, and more to come) featuring ZigBee wireless technology, and Vigil360, a new video management software kernel designed specifically for RSI.
"The new products introduced by eInfochips, Kroger and Wincor Nixdorf will fit perfectly into the ZigBee Retail Services ecosystem,” said John Osborne, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. “Their ZigBee Certified products will support a fully integrated ecosystem of technology suppliers, merchants, and distribution centers in providing a standard way to purchase, fulfill, automate and monitor the purchase and delivery of goods. Using our open, global standard will bring the benefits of Internet of Things for retailers and their customers."
Commercial versions of the RSI solutions being piloted by Kroger will be available later in 2014 with support and customization services delivered globally.
"Retail Site Intelligence is an exciting new frontier for retail business solutions," said Brian Baker, VP, professional services at Wincor Nixdorf, Inc. "As always, our solutions will represent world-class customization, integration, deployment and support services."
Cincinnati-based Kroger employs more than 375,000 associates who serve customers in 2,640 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.