software/technology

Campbell, Calif. — ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), and global innovator LG Electronics (LG) have formed a strategic partnership to leverage their respective strengths for future innovations in EV charging. LG’s U.S.-made EV chargers are UL-certified for charging stability and ENERGY STAR® certified for efficiency. These chargers will be paired with ChargePoint’s cloud software. The first output of this relationship will be commercial charging solutions that encompass ChargePoint’s charger management software and LG’s EV charging hardware, with deliveries expected to begin later this …

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San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., one of the largest AI and automation technology providers to the restaurant industry, has been collaborating with Taco John’s® and Qu to implement a Presto Voice™ drive-thru pilot at select Taco John’s restaurants. Presto Voice enhances the drive-thru staff’s productivity by reducing the time they devote to taking orders, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks and reducing associated labor costs. It also provides customizable upsells to increase revenue and improve the guest experience with immediate, friendly service around the clock. Qu’s …

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— By Scott Thomas — Setting up your Security Operations Center (SOC): a checklist for retailers. Today, due to a combination of a changing threat environment and technology advances, more retailers are building SOCs to support store safety and investigations, and help make operational staff more efficient. Ryan Themm, corporate investigations manager at supercenter Meijer, has noted that the remote operations center (ROC) they launched to provide a complete view across all of their stores and sites has been instrumental in helping them significantly reduce budget spent on fraud mitigation. …

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— By Patrick Chown — The future of retail and restaurant facilities should embrace IoT and connectivity for smarter operations. The retail and restaurant industries are undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. In this dynamic landscape, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced network connectivity are emerging as pivotal elements. These technologies are not just reshaping how businesses operate but are also redefining the customer experience. By integrating IoT solutions, retailers and restaurateurs are unlocking new potentials in operational efficiency, customer engagement and data-driven …

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Bentonville, Ark. — Sam’s Club® has made significant progress in its rollout of technology that resolves a key member concern: waiting in line for receipt verification to exit the club. The retailer’s first-of-its-kind application of artificial intelligence and computer vision technology has been deployed in more than 120 clubs since first unveiling it at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024. Sam’s Club plans to deploy the exit technology to all of its clubs by the end of 2024. Sam’s Club’s rapid deployment of its exit technology represents the …

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Berkeley, Calif. — In partnership with ALDI, Grabango has launched ALDIgo checkout-free shopping at a Chicago-area grocery store. ALDI is the first major U.S. grocery retailer to deploy checkout-free technology in an existing, full-size store. The technology, which ALDI deployed at one suburban location, allows shoppers to skip the line and save time. “The launch of ALDIgo is a pivotal moment for the grocery industry,” says Will Glaser, CEO of Grabango. “Although more challenging, it was important to us to launch this technology in a typical store and not one …

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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — Pita Pit, a Mediterranean fast-casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, has rolled out a nationwide brand refresh. The refresh introduces new features, such as a modernized restaurant design and drive-thru business model, reimagined menu, technological upgrades and a new logo. Pita Pit’s rebrand is a key component in the company’s growth strategy. The new drive-thru model allows franchise partners more real estate options, as the smaller footprint of about 800 to 1,000 square feet can flex to fit into a variety of layouts that fit …

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— By Jaime Bettencourt — Creating destination stores for lasting connections. The meteoric rise of e-commerce has forced traditional brick-and-mortar retail to reckon with a new reality: physical stores must provide immersive in-store experiences. Retailers failing to integrate digital channels and offer the best of online shopping offline will struggle to stay competitive in this omnichannel environment. Major brands have learned the hard way that simply having a physical location won’t suffice, with some closing hundreds of underperforming stores because they weren’t offering customers experiences beyond mere product displays and …

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— By Sabina Campbell — The trend-driven revolution in modern kitchen equipment. The landscape of the culinary industry in 2024 remains fundamentally anchored in the time-honored tradition of crafting delicious dishes; however, the methods and tools at the disposal of chefs and restaurant owners are transforming at an unprecedented pace. Smart technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and a steadfast commitment to sustainability are at the forefront of this revolution, leading to significant advancements in operational efficiency and culinary prowess. In the modern restaurant’s kitchen, what was once the realm of hands-on …

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— By Katie Fairchild — 9 steps to managing multi-location restaurant businesses. The dynamic world of running multi-units, multi-brands and franchises offers many advantages. From full-service to fast food and everything in between, having the efficiencies that come with an existing brand, business model and established infrastructure can be an advantage for operators. However, with these advantages comes unique challenges. One of the major issues for operators of multiple entities is that the individual businesses or locations may have their own goals, processes, software, language and more. The final goal …

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