In today’s fast-moving retail world, keeping up with the latest tech isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity. One of the biggest game-changers right now? Image recognition (IR) for retail execution.
Not long ago, Image Recognition felt like something out of a sci-fi movie—too pricey, too experimental, and only realistic for big brands with massive budgets. But things have changed. Today, it’s more accessible than ever, helping brands and retail service providers of all sizes boost efficiency, gain real-time insights, and see a fast return on investment.
With IR, companies can maximize shelf space, keep products in stock, and cut down on tedious manual tasks, leading to smoother operations and better decisions. Faster, more accurate data means businesses can react swiftly to market changes and even predict trends before they happen. Simply put, AI-driven insights are transforming how brands interact with shelves, products, and customers.
Boosting Efficiency
IR technology takes the hassle out of audits, saving time and effort for field teams while improving accuracy. In the past, in-store audits meant field reps manually checking compliance, availability, and product placement—a time-consuming process prone to human error.
Now, AI-powered image recognition allows brands to conduct audits seamlessly, cutting in-store audit time by up to 50% when using ShelfScan with Repsly.
Less time spent on audits means fewer disruptions in stores and more time for sales teams to focus on the bigger picture. Plus, more accurate audits mean brands can trust their data, leading to smarter decisions and faster fixes when issues arise.
Increasing Sales & Improve Data Accuracy
With IR, brands can track product availability in real-time, making sure their products are always where they need to be. When shelves are empty, sales are lost—it’s that simple. Even small improvements in availability can lead to major revenue growth. According to McKinsey & Company, CPG brands have seen a 1-5% increase in sales just by improving on-shelf availability by 3%.
Automating shelf analysis gives brands a real-time look at shelf share, competitor positioning, and promotional execution. Instead of relying on inconsistent manual reports, companies get a clear, accurate picture of what’s happening in stores. One retail service provider recently tested Repsly’s IR tech and saw a 67% year-over-year sales increase in IR-enabled stores—compared to just 25% in non-IR stores.
Ensuring Compliance with Ease
Sticking to retail execution strategies is crucial for making marketing campaigns and promotions work. IR takes the guesswork out of compliance by eliminating human error and achieving 98% accuracy in SKU recognition. That means brands can ensure products are displayed correctly, promotions are set up as planned, and retailers stick to agreed-upon shelf layouts.
IR also helps brands monitor product placement across different stores, making sure items are positioned for maximum visibility and sales. Proper shelf placement plays a huge role in impulse purchases and brand recognition, but keeping everything in check manually is a challenge. With near-perfect accuracy in compliance tracking, brands can catch issues early and prevent costly mistakes. Plus, field teams can focus on more valuable tasks—like building strong relationships with store managers and fine-tuning product presentations.
The Bottom Line
For CPGs and retail service providers, adopting Image Recognition isn’t just a smart move—it’s a game-changer. With fewer manual audits, better product availability, and optimized shelf placement, brands gain a real competitive edge. And as more businesses embrace IR, now is the time to jump in and start reaping the benefits.
But AI-driven automation isn’t just about working faster—it’s about working smarter. Real-time data, instant merchandising adjustments, and seamless operations put brands in complete control of retail execution.
Repsly’s platform combines IR with other powerful tools, helping field teams automate tasks and optimize in-store performance. This all-in-one solution gives brands the insights they need to make smarter decisions and capture more market share. As retail continues to evolve, the brands that invest in AI-driven tech like IR won’t just keep up—they’ll lead the way and win big.
