Women shopping at grocery store

Glossary

A

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior. It involves the development of algorithms and systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Simbe uses AI to power Tally, our autonomous inventory robot. Tally employs AI for real-time data processing and accurate product identification, improving inventory accuracy and store operations.

AI-Powered Solutions

Simbe leverages advanced artificial intelligence to provide innovative solutions that enhance retail operations, including inventory management and data analytics.

Analytics

The systematic computational analysis of data or statistics used to discover patterns, trends, and relationships to inform decision-making. Simbe's analytics tools transform raw data collected by robots into actionable insights, helping retailers make informed decisions to optimize operations, improve inventory accuracy, and increase sales. The cloud-based analytics platform provides real-time data visualization and reporting, enabling efficient monitoring and management of store performance.

Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)

A robot that navigates and performs tasks independently using sensors, cameras, and AI, without human intervention. AMRs are used in various industries for tasks like transporting goods and inventory management. Tally, a ground AMR by Simbe, autonomously navigates retail store aisles, scanning shelves to provide real-time inventory data. This helps retailers maintain accurate stock levels and improve operational efficiency.

B

Barcode Scanning

The process of using a laser or camera to read the information encoded in a barcode. Tally is equipped with sophisticated barcode scanning capabilities that streamline inventory management by quickly and accurately reading product barcodes, enhancing operational efficiency.

Business Intelligence

The process of analyzing data to make informed business decisions, improve efficiency, and gain competitive advantages. Simbe’s solutions transform raw data into actionable insights, helping retailers optimize operations, reduce costs, and increase sales.

C

Cloud-Based Analytics

The use of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, allowing for scalable and accessible data analytics. Simbe's systems utilize cloud-based platforms to analyze data in real-time, providing retailers with up-to-date insights into their inventory and store performance.

Computer Vision

A field of AI that enables computers to interpret and make decisions based on visual data from the environment. Tally utilizes advanced computer vision technology to accurately identify and track inventory on retail shelves, ensuring precise data collection and reducing human error.

D

Data Analytics

The process of examining data sets to draw conclusions about the information they contain. Simbe’s data analytics tools convert raw data collected by Tally into actionable insights, enabling retailers to optimize inventory management, enhance customer experience, and drive sales growth.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Making decisions based on data analysis and interpretation rather than intuition or observation alone. Simbe's technology empowers retailers to make informed decisions based on precise, real-time data collected by their autonomous robots.

Deep Learning

A subset of machine learning involving neural networks with many layers, used for more complex tasks like image recognition. Simbe leverages deep learning algorithms to improve the accuracy and performance of Tally in identifying and categorizing products on retail shelves, continuously enhancing its capabilities.

E

EPC (Electronic Product Code)

A unique identifier that is used to track and identify products in the supply chain, similar to a barcode but with more information and unique serialization. Simbe’s technology integrates with EPC systems to provide detailed tracking and identification of products, enhancing supply chain visibility and inventory accuracy.

ESL (Electronic Shelf Label)

Digital tags used on retail shelves that display product information and prices electronically, allowing for dynamic pricing and easier updates. Tally interacts with both ESL systems like those from Aperion, as well paper labels from providers like Vescom, to ensure accurate pricing and promotion execution on retail shelves, helping retailers maintain consistency and reduce manual labor.

Edge Computing

A distributed computing model where data processing occurs near the data source or edge of the network, reducing latency and bandwidth use. Tally is equipped with edge computing capabilities, allowing the robot to process data on-site for faster and more efficient operations.

F

Field Services

Professional services provided on-site to install, repair, and maintain equipment and systems. Simbe offers comprehensive field services to support the deployment, maintenance, and optimization of their robotic solutions in retail environments.

I

Inventory Management

The supervision of non-capitalized assets, or inventory, and stock items, ensuring that the right quantity of supplies is available at the right time. Tally conducts frequent and accurate inventory checks, reducing out of stocks and overstock situations, thereby improving overall inventory management for retailers.

J

Just-in-Time Inventory

An inventory strategy where materials and products are delivered just before they are needed in the production process, reducing storage costs. Simbe’s technology supports just-in-time inventory practices by providing precise, real-time inventory data, enabling retailers to reduce excess stock and improve efficiency.

K

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Quantifiable measures used to evaluate the success of an organization, employee, or process in meeting objectives for performance. Simbe's analytics tools help retailers track essential KPIs such as inventory accuracy, shelf availability, and sales performance.

L

LIDAR

A sensor that uses laser light to measure distances to objects, creating precise, three-dimensional information about the shape and surface characteristics of objects. Tally uses LIDAR technology to navigate retail environments autonomously, avoiding obstacles and ensuring comprehensive and accurate data collection.

Loss Prevention / Shrink Prevention

Strategies and processes employed to reduce the amount of theft, fraud, and inventory shrinkage within a business.Simbe’s solutions aid in reducing inventory shrinkage through accurate tracking and monitoring of products on shelves.

M

Machine Learning

A branch of artificial intelligence where computers use data and algorithms to improve their performance on tasks over time without being explicitly programmed. Simbe employs machine learning algorithms to continuously improve the performance and accuracy of their robotic systems.

Mobile Application

A mobile application, or mobile app, is a software program designed to run on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. It provides users with specific functionalities or services, such as communication, entertainment, productivity, or task management. Simbe Mobile is a configurable mobile app that offers retail teams prioritized inventory and pricing tasks, near real-time analytics, planogram compliance and more on any device.

N

Navigation Algorithms

Navigation algorithms are computational methods used by autonomous systems, such as robots or vehicles, to determine and execute a path from one location to another. These algorithms consider various factors, including obstacle avoidance, optimal pathfinding, environmental mapping, and real-time adjustments based on sensor data. Simbe uses advanced navigation algorithms to autonomously navigate store aisles, avoiding obstacles and ensuring comprehensive data collection.

O

Operational Efficiency

Simbe’s robotic solutions enhance operational efficiency by automating routine tasks, allowing store staff to focus on more value-added activities.

Out of Stock Management

Out of stock management is the effective management of inventory levels by balancing supply and demand to avoid stockouts. Tally prioritizes automated alerts that empower store teams to resolve stock issues, detecting 10X more out-of-stock items than manual audits.

P

POS System〈Point-of-sale〉

A combination of hardware and software used to manage sales transactions and process payments in retail environments. Tally integrates with POS systems to provide real-time inventory updates, helping retailers maintain accurate stock levels and improve sales data accuracy.

Product Recognition

The capability of a system to identify and categorize products based on visual information. Tally uses advanced product recognition to accurately identify items on the shelves, ensuring precise inventory tracking and reducing discrepancies.

Q

Quality Assurance

A systematic process designed to determine if products or services meet specified requirements and standards, ensuring consistent quality. Simbe ensures the highest standards of quality, providing reliable and accurate performance in real-world retail environments.

R

ROI (Return on Investment)

A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency or profitability of an investment, calculated as the net profit divided by the initial cost of the investment. Simbe demonstrates a high ROI for retailers by reducing labor costs, improving inventory accuracy, and increasing sales through better stock management and customer service. Request a demo to learn how Simbe offers up to 15X ROI.

Realogram

A real-time, dynamic version of a planogram that reflects the current state of the shelves and product placement. Simbe’s technology creates realograms by continuously scanning and updating the actual shelf conditions, providing retailers with up-to-date visualizations of their store layouts.

Retail Automation

The use of technology to automate retail processes, reducing manual labor and improving efficiency and accuracy in retail operations. Tally automates key retail processes, such as inventory checks and data collection, streamlining operations and improving accuracy.

S

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A unique identifier for each distinct product and service that can be purchased.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage in retail refers to the loss of inventory that can occur due to various factors such as theft, damage, administrative errors, and supplier fraud. It represents the difference between recorded inventory on the balance sheet and the actual inventory in stock. Shrinkage affects profitability as it leads to reduced stock levels and increased costs to replace lost items. Tally helps retailers combat shrinkage by providing accurate and continuous inventory tracking. By identifying discrepancies between recorded and actual stock levels in real time, Tally helps reduce theft, minimize errors, and ensure that inventory records are always up-to-date, leading to better inventory control and reduced financial losses.

T

Tally

Tally is Simbe’s autonomous mobile inventory robot, designed to safely navigate store aisles, scan shelves, and provide real-time inventory data to help retailers optimize their operations and improve customer satisfaction.

Technological Innovation

Simbe Robotics is at the forefront of technological innovation in retail, continuously developing new solutions to meet evolving market needs.

U

User-Friendly Interface

A design that is easy to use and understand, making technology accessible and efficient for users. Simbe’s platform features user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for customers to access and utilize the data and insights provided by Tally.

V

Virtual Tour

A virtual tour capability is a technology solution that provides an immersive, interactive digital experience of a physical location. It allows users to navigate through high-definition 360-degree views and detailed images of the environment, simulating an in-person visit. Simbe’s Virtual Tour lets retailers view and walk stores remotely with unmatched depth and frequency, optimizing layouts and making strategic decisions with ease.

W

Web Application

A web application is a software program that runs on a web server and is accessed through a web browser over the internet. It provides users with interactive functionalities and services, without needing to download or install the application on their device. The unprecedented amount of data that Tally collects can be viewed on Simbe’s web application as well as mobile application, Simbe Mobile.

Workforce Augmentation

The use of technology or external resources to supplement and enhance the capabilities of an existing workforce. Simbe's robots augment the retail workforce by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more strategic activities. A recent Store Team Technology Sentiment Report revealed that nearly 90% of store managers working with Tally reported a positive experience, citing increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Y

Yield Optimization

The process of maximizing the output or results from resources and efforts, often used in the context of agriculture, manufacturing, and business operations. Simbe’s data-driven solutions help retailers optimize yield by ensuring the right products are available at the right time, reducing waste and increasing sales.

Z

Zero Defects Inventory

A quality management concept aiming for no defects or errors in products or processes, ensuring high standards of accuracy and reliability. Simbe aims for zero defects in inventory management, providing accurate and reliable data to minimize errors and discrepancies in stock levels.