As labor shortages become an issue, there is a growing movement among beverage manufacturers to utilize AI in vending machine sales and replenishment operations to improve delivery efficiency.
Kirin Beverage announced on the 12th that it will introduce a new system to streamline the delivery of products for vending machines.
Utilizing AI, we automate the task of selecting delivery routes, which was previously left to on-site staff, and the most efficient delivery route based on inventory status is displayed on a smartphone app.
It also has a function that uses AI to predict demand based on sales records and propose the optimal product lineup for each vending machine.This system reduces the work time of personnel involved in replenishing products by approximately 10%. However, it is expected to have the effect of increasing sales by about 5%.
The company aims to use the system on approximately 80,000 vending machines nationwide in the year starting October this year, and Hirotaka Yoshioka from the sales department said, ``Amid the labor shortage, we will continue to operate a business that relies on people.'' "It is becoming difficult to do so. By introducing a system, we would like to both improve operational efficiency and meet customer needs."
Other major beverage companies such as Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Suntory Beverage & Food, as well as Asahi Soft Drinks and DyDo Drinko are using AI to improve delivery efficiency and strengthen product lineups. There is a growing movement to address the labor shortage in operations.