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SATO, Intel collaborate on IoT platform for retail

SATO Global Solutions has collaborated with Intel to develop a data-driven, end-to-end IoT platform that enables retailers to accelerate the commercial benefit of data and IoT with a new level of actionable insight, the company announced recently.

January 29, 2016

SATO Global Solutions, an innovation integrator that develops comprehensive Internet of Things solutions, has collaborated with Intel to develop a data-driven, end-to-end IoT platform that enables retailers to accelerate the commercial benefit of data and IoT with a new level of actionable insight, the company announced recently.

The company said the solution allows retailers to realize near-100-percent inventory accuracy while boosting workforce efficiency. Additionally, it is designed to enable digital engagement applications to bring cutting edge and innovative retail experiences to consumers, according to the announcement.

"Integrating near-real-time inventory data and customer data opens up new possibilities — allowing retailers to provide highly personalized and effective services to customers," said Michael Beedles, president of SATO Global Solutions. "This may include everything from offering extra discounts to loyal customers on overstocked items to using digital signage to push sales based on trending data from social media … We are excited to pioneer new products and services with Intel. As an 'Innovation Integrator,' SGS develops future-proof expandable platforms to leverage optimal technologies to address clients' needs."

The platform integrates a range of retail technologies including RFID readers that track individual items in the store, the ability to leverage additional sensors with the Intel Retail Sensor Platform, a store-based gateway that gathers and filters data, a robust cloud platform and big data analytics. The SGS IoT platform integrates these components into a comprehensive retail solution that standardizes the collection, storage and analytics for store-based events involving inventory and customer interactions, the company said.

Designed to be future-proof and expandable, the solution leverages Intel's open-software platform and will allow retailers to host a full-suite of retail applications by integrating other sensor technologies as well as third-party data or applications to meet their unique demands, according to the announcement.

"By using the new Intel Retail Sensor Platform, SATO Global Solutions can help deliver simple, affordable, effective inventory tracking and insight for retailers to improve consumer experiences and reduce operating costs solutions," said Joe Jensen, VP, Intel Internet of Things group general manager, Retail Solutions division.

IoT innovations in store layout, automated checkouts and inventory management are expected to have up to a $1.2 trillion impact for retailers worldwide by 2025. This new SGS and Intel solution is designed to deliver higher ROI for retailers by tackling fundamental issues in inventory management to improve productivity, decrease running costs and increase sales.

"SATO and Intel are connecting the dots to make big data analytics a reality for retailers," said Kaz Matsuyama, president and CEO of SATO Holdings Corp. "With our software and systems integration expertise, we fill in that essential 'last inch' for customers in the retail space linking IoT technologies and data analytics to provide actionable insights to improve productivity, cut costs and drive sales."

A sample application was presented at the Intel booth during the National Federation of Retailers' BIG Show in January in New York City. The solutions will be commercially available during the second quarter of 2016, the announcement said.

To further enhance the value for customers, SGS and Intel are part of the Acuitas Digital Alliance composed of British Telecom, Nexgen and RetailNext that jointly aims to create a future-proof solution for the digital business era with additional capacities. Another application of SGS and the Intel solution was presented at the British Telecom booth at NRF.