software/technology

— By Robert Harling — Innovative loss prevention technologies and strategies. The safety and security of shoppers and employees are at the top of the list of priorities for retail executives. Open and inviting stores where customers can shop without concern and employees are assured of their safety is not a new goal for retailers. As incidents of retail theft and in-store violence rise, retailers must adapt with effective strategies and advanced technologies to ensure a safe shopping environment. The National Retail Federation reported a 19.3% increase in retail shrink, …

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— By Gregg Majewski — Propel your restaurant forward with digital transformation. Technology in the restaurant space is rapidly evolving as we enter a digital era. Every day, restaurants are taking new steps toward improving the guest experience. Virtual kitchens, mobile ordering and contactless payments have become commonalities, and while it may seem like a tall order, leaning into digital transformation is imperative for the evolution of a modern-day restaurant. Digital transformation does not always involve leveraging technological advancements. For example, it can also mean compiling dining analytics and using …

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MaintenX Refrigerants ASHRAE quote

An approaching shift in refrigerants for heat pumps and air-conditioning systems will have far-reaching implications for restaurant and retail operators, potentially delaying the availability of new equipment, replacement parts and access to the service providers needed to install or repair them. “In the months before a rule change like this, everybody starts to scramble to get ready,” says John Brightwell, regional project manager at facilities repair service provider MaintenX. “We’ve budgeted for this and have adjusted our equipment, tools and training to install and service the new systems; but if …

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Bentonville, Ark. — Nuqleous, a leader in B2B SaaS solutions specializing in big data, retail analytics and space planning optimization, has been included on the prestigious 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. For the fourth consecutive year, Nuqleous’s dedication to driving retail excellence and operational efficiency has earned it the rank of No. 3,822 overall, and within the top 500 in the software category. “Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for 4 years running reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and is a …

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— By Mani Kulasooriya — How e-commerce can help restaurants fight rising costs and challenges. Restaurant operators are often running an uphill marathon. From hiring and schedules to inventory management and food ordering, back-end operations can present neverending challenges. To make matters worse, according to the National Restaurant Association’s “2024 State of the Restaurant Industry” report, 97% of operators now cite rising food and labor costs as pressing issues. Fortunately, foodservice has entered a new leg of the race. E-commerce is emerging as a secret weapon to streamline operations and …

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Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leader in energy management and smart building technology, has expanded its demand response program in partnership with 24 Hour Fitness, the 40-year leader in health and fitness. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of ENTOUCH’s cutting-edge solutions in reducing energy usage, driving profitability and supporting sustainability initiatives for multisite operators. In 2023, 24 Hour Fitness implemented ENTOUCH’s demand response program across an initial 100 locations in California and Texas. The initiative proved highly successful, saving 35 MW of energy and significantly contributing to the reduction of …

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— By Savneet Singh — How cutting-edge tech helped Hooters of America upgrade its dining experience. Americans love experiences, with the majority (61%) of Gen Z and Millenials choosing to invest in them, according to Experian, over retirement savings. And with all the money they’re spending, they anticipate outstanding outcomes — especially when it comes to dining. Competition in this sector is fierce, with seemingly endless options for the 9 in 10 customers who enjoy going out to eat, per a February 2024 report by the National Restaurant Association. The …

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Shelton, Conn. — Budderfly, a preferred sustainability partner for commercial businesses with repeatable footprints, has acquired a grid-edge distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) from Sunverge Energy. Former Sunverge employees with decades of DERMS and energy market experience will join Budderfly’s growing team of almost 400 employees. Using Sunverge’s technology, Budderfly can aggregate distributed energy resources (DERS) across its sites, positioning it to create virtual power plants (VPPs) capable of providing flexibility to the grid, increasing resiliency for customers and growing new revenue streams. With greater control over its energy …

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— By Lindsey Walker — Why asset tracking software is good for your restaurant business. Operating a foodservice or restaurant business involves managing various appliances, each essential for daily tasks like cooking and refrigeration. Integrating these appliances into a system that gathers data for decision-making can be time-consuming. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a solution by utilizing appliance data to optimize property management and enhance business performance with real-time insights. From ensuring customer satisfaction to maintaining quality standards, running a restaurant or café requires careful attention to detail to …

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— By Andy Anderson — The business case for prioritizing environmental responsibility. While the retail industry plays an indispensable role in our society, bringing valuable — and often essential — products and services to consumers, and serving as a major source of employment and economic growth, it also takes a significant toll on the environment. In fact, the industry accounts for roughly 25% of global emissions, with much of these emissions occurring in the retail value chain. From the energy-intensive demands of brick-and-mortar stores to the packaging and transportation waste …

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