US retailerNortheast Grocery has announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tech from Tally in several of its stores.

The company, which owns and operates Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets stores, is the first in the US grocery sector to implement the technology. The deployment includes markets such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. 

Tally is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software package, which is used to automate and integrate a range of business operations, including purchasing, finance, sales, inventory and manufacturing.

The AI-powered software is used to help automate crucial routine tasks to save time and resources, with the aim to provide a more efficient approach to inventory management.

Specifically, Tally can navigate store aisles up to three times a day, scanning shelves to identify out-of-stock items and pricing discrepancies, enabling store teams to focus more efficiently on engaging with customers and provide a more personalised experience.

The AI robot is able to identify up to 10 times more out-of-stock items compared to manual store checks, with the potential to reduce out-of-stock rates by 60 per cent so that customers can more easily find the product they are looking for.

The retailer added that stores that have been using Tally in previous pilot programs have seen a 90 per cent improvement in pricing accuracy.

Executive vice president and chief information officer of Northeast Grocery, Scott Kessler said he had previously used the new technology at warehouse chain BJ’s Wholesale Club, before introducing the AI and robotics technology to his team.

The specialist believes the new integration will improve stores’ sales and he’s evaluating the potential for expansion to other locations.

“The Tally robot allows us to address inventory and pricing challenges with incredible precision while giving our store teams the tools they need to focus on what matters most – serving our customers,” he said.

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