Edge Computing for QSR
Objective
Quick Serve Restaurants (QSR) seek to optimize inventory management and ensure efficient operations by implementing real-time inventory counting using edge computing technology.
The fast-food chain operates numerous outlets across different locations, each equipped with security cameras for surveillance purposes. They aim to enhance their operational efficiency by leveraging existing infrastructure to automate inventory counting, particularly focusing on monitoring hot dog inventory on the heating rollers.
Implementation
- AI on Edge Computing: AI on Edge computing technology is integrated into the existing security camera system at each outlet. This allows for processing and analysis of the captured footage directly on-site, minimizing latency and reducing the load on the central server.
- Image Recognition AI: An image recognition algorithm specifically trained to identify hot dogs on the heating rollers is deployed on the edge devices. This algorithm efficiently analyzes the camera feeds in real-time, detecting the presence and quantity of hot dogs accurately.
- Real-Time Inventory Monitoring: As food items are identified through image recognition, the inventory count is continuously updated in real-time. This ensures that the inventory level is accurately reflected, enabling proactive management of stock levels and preventing stockouts or wastage.
- Automated Alerts and Notifications: When the inventory of any given food item falls below a predefined threshold, automated alerts are sent to store managers via messaging platforms. This enables timely replenishment of inventory, ensuring that hot meals are always queued up and ready to serve to customers.
Benefits
Impelmenting AI at the edge brings many tangible benefits to the company:
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Real-time inventory counting eliminates the need for manual stock checks, reducing the time and effort required for inventory management tasks. This allows store staff to focus on serving customers and maintaining service quality.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: With hot meals consistently available, customers experience shorter wait times and receive fresher products, enhancing overall satisfaction and loyalty to the brand.
- Cost Savings: By leveraging existing infrastructure and edge computing technology, the fast-food chain minimizes the need for additional hardware investments. Moreover, proactive inventory management helps reduce instances of overstocking or stockouts, optimizing inventory costs.
- Scalability: The edge computing solution is scalable across multiple outlets, allowing the fast-food chain to implement standardized inventory management practices while adapting to the specific needs of each location.
