Starbucks ended its AI-powered inventory counting program in North American stores after nine months. The “Automated Counting” software, developed with NomadGo, was intended to speed inventory tracking by having employees scan items on shelves with mobile devices. The goal was to improve accuracy, ensure beverage components like milks and syrups were always available, and reduce time spent in backrooms. A previously published description promised instant visibility into stock and more time for employees to craft beverages and connect with customers. Reports indicated the system often mislabeled and miscounted items, including mixing similar milk types or skipping items entirely. Starbucks therefore reverted to manual counting.
"Starbucks rolled out the “Automated Counting” software to its North American stores in September 2025. Developed in partnership with NomadGo, the AI-powered tool was supposed to speed up inventory tracking. Employees (likely fearing that they were holding their replacements) would use mobile devices to scan items on shelves. The idea was simple: Automate the tedious task of counting milks and syrups, increase accuracy, and optimize the supply chain."
"A since-deleted September blog post by CTO Deb Hall Lefevre laid on the hype as thick as the whipped cream on a mocha Frappuccino: “With a quick scan using a handheld tablet, partners can instantly see what's in stock - ensuring cold foam, oat milk, or caramel drizzle are always available,” it read. “Customers can enjoy beverages their way, every time - and partners spend less time in the backroom and more time crafting and connecting.”"
"Reuters reports that the tool frequently mislabeled and miscounted items. It was known to mix up similar milk types or skip them altogether. The video above, embedded in Starbucks' September blog post, foreshadowed the tool's struggles. The clip inadvertently showed the system missing a bottle of peppermint syrup as a worker scanned the shelf."
"So, Starbucks “partners” will now go back to the good ol’ days of manually counting inventory. “Beverage components and milk will now be counte"
Read at Engadget
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