Vision AI boosts QSR operations with real-time insights

Incredible perspective from Katie Young how data in motion reshapes decision making in QSRs. NOVA taking AI from buzzword to restaurant-ops reality.

AI is Brewing a Supply Chain Revolution The American coffee giant known for shaping global café culture is now making waves in supply chain innovation. Starbucks has begun rolling out AI-powered inventory systems across more than 11,000 stores in North America to improve the accuracy and frequency of stock counts. By integrating computer vision and machine learning, the company is tackling a long-standing challenge in retail: human error in stock management. Industry studies reveal that AI adoption in inventory processes can reduce stockouts by up to 50 percent and lower carrying costs by 10 to 15 percent, positioning early adopters ahead of the curve. For the supply chain industry, this signals more than just a retail upgrade. Smarter inventory forecasting reduces food waste, sharpens supplier coordination, and enhances responsiveness to demand shifts. By embedding AI at the store level, Starbucks is setting a precedent that shows how inventory visibility can ripple through an entire supply chain, improving resilience and efficiency. As more retailers follow suit, AI-driven inventory management is becoming a new standard for supply chain agility. #AIinSupplyChain #RetailInnovation #InventoryManagement #SupplyChainEfficiency #SmartLogistics

🤖 AI is moving into the drive-thru—but is it ready to deliver? Brands like Wendy’s and Taco Bell are expanding voice-AI ordering, and operators everywhere are testing automation to speed up service. The idea is simple: less wait, more efficiency. But the Intouch Insight 2025 Drive-Thru Study shows the full picture: ⏱ Speed: AI-enabled drive-thrus were the fastest, with a service time of 3:53, beating the overall average of 4:15. 😊 Friendliness: Customers rated AI locations lower for friendliness (72% vs. 78% at traditional locations). ✅ Accuracy: AI scored 83% on order accuracy, compared to 87% at non-AI locations. Customizations were the most significant issue, making up 62% of incorrect AI orders. 👩💼 The Human Factor: When employees stepped in to support AI, accuracy jumped to 95%. The takeaway? AI is proving it can make drive-thrus faster, but speed alone doesn’t win loyalty. The data shows that human interactions, friendliness, and clear communication remain just as critical. 📊 See the full study and compare your results with top brands in the industry:  https://hubs.ly/Q03K_wfT0

Faster isn’t enough: 3 numbers show AI drive-thru gaps. In our 25th Drive-Thru Study, we measured AI-enabled locations for the first time. The results: ✅ 22 seconds faster than the study average ✅ Overall satisfaction at 97% (vs. 91% at core locations) ❌ Accuracy slipped to 83% (vs. 87%) ❌ Friendliness dropped to 72% (vs. 78%) ❌ 62% of incorrect AI orders came from customization issues Here’s the twist: When employees stepped in to help, accuracy jumped to 95%. The takeaway? AI can be a powerful tool for efficiency, but the human touch still defines the experience. 👉 Full study here:

Kroger is ramping up its AI initiatives to enhance efficiency, boost sales, and improve customer experiences. The latest earnings call reveals a focus on operational optimization following their merger setback. With a robust data foundation and ongoing technological investments, Kroger aims to reshape its business strategies while navigating economic challenges. Dive into the insights shaping the future of retail in their latest update!

In this Grocery Zeitgeist moment, Rocquan Lucas, VP of Content at Groceryshop, highlights how AI is moving beyond operational processes into new frontiers, from venture-backed innovation to solutions featured across Groceryshop’s stages and show floor.

If your FY’26 plan still treats “back office” as overhead, you’re leaving margin on the table.  On Oct 1 (1 PM ET), I’ll walk through concrete ways CPG brands are using AI + process discipline to tighten P&L, cut disputes/chargebacks, and accelerate cash cycles—without bloating SG&A. Bring your real-world constraints; we’ll get specific. https://lnkd.in/eDrDePJy Sikich Glimpse

„AI, of course, plays a major role. Gregorchik said that while traditional demand planning often relied on historical data and manual intervention, modern AI models incorporate internal and external variables. These include promotional activity, POS data, weather patterns, economic indicators and more. „

SCMS Summit News Watch👀 Starbucks have recently rolled out AI implementation for inventory counting to its more than 11,000 stores in North America. This is a clear example of the growing trend of Digitalization, reducing manual effort, improving service levels & supply continuity📈 Explore in depth case studies like this in the Supply Chain Digitalization, Advanced Analytics content stream at the Summit! Check out the article👉https://ow.ly/2WnU50X5FIR The Summit👉https://ow.ly/oFB150X5FJh

Disruption in supply chains is brutal — unless your logistics have the agility to pivot! The GXO Logistics, Inc. and Vogue Business teams put together this fantastic report that analyzes all the strategic levers brands can pull to keep ahead. And, spoiler? GXO IQ has its AI-orchestrated hands on every single one of them. #AI #GXOIQ #logistics #supplychain #futurelogitsics #GXO #gamechangers https://lnkd.in/eqnj_ZTz