Amazon is bringing its retail check-out palm scanning technology, Amazon One, to the enterprise. This includes use cases like employee or guest check-in systems or access to sensitive software (think: HR).
Joining Microsoft’s ongoing Retail-as-a-Service efforts, the latest from Redmond is a new partnership with retail tech startup AFI to create and support smart stores. Known as Smart Store Analytics, it provides retailers with shopper and operational analytics.
After rolling out its cashierless tech at airport Hudson News locations, Starbucks and fashion outlets, Amazon’s latest move is to integrate it at Whole Foods. We examine in light of Amazon’s larger RaaS play.
Microsoft has announced that it’s partnering with FedEx for a “logistics as a service” offering for retailers and etailers. This is pursuant to Microsoft’s broader “retail-as-a-service” (RaaS) play. We examine strategic drivers.
After piloting Just Walk Out at Amazon Go, airport-based convenience chains, salons, grocery and even Starbucks, Amazon has now tipped its hand for the next move: clothing stores. We examine the strategic implications.
Microsoft is joining the RaaS landscape, or at least it will soon. February 1 marks the general availability of Microsoft Cloud for Retail. It’s is all about federating data to inform strategy and optimize operations – everything from inventory to store layouts.
