Overview
Continuous visibility for everyday cooler operations.
Lawson partnered with Clobotics on a proof of concept in China to explore how AI-powered smart coolers could improve daily retail execution. By combining connected cooler cameras, AI image recognition, and equipment monitoring, the pilot tested whether continuous visibility could help teams identify issues earlier, respond faster, and make better operational decisions between store visits.
The Challenge
Retail cooler conditions change throughout the day
Traditional store visits only provide periodic snapshots. Lawson needed a clearer view of execution and equipment conditions between those visits.
Monitor execution continuously
Track assortment, availability, and facings between scheduled store visits.
Compare stores consistently
Create a dependable benchmark for cooler execution across different locations.
Identify issues earlier
Surface missing SKUs and pricing issues before the next field inspection.
Support maintenance planning
Improve visibility into cooler operating conditions so equipment teams could prioritize their work.
The Solution
Connect cooler evidence to the next action
Lawson worked with Clobotics to combine continuous image capture, AI recognition, equipment signals, and corrective workflows in one operating model.
SmartView connected coolers
Continuous image capture created a current visual record between store visits.
AI image recognition
The system identified SKUs, facings, price tags, and out-of-stock products.
Equipment operating signals
Temperature and door sensors provided additional context for cooler performance.
Exception-based dashboards
Teams could focus first on the stores, products, and coolers that required attention.
Closed-loop workflows
Follow-up evidence confirmed whether corrective actions had been completed.
Results
One source of truth for every operating team
Continuous execution visibility
Operations teams could monitor KPI compliance, benchmark store performance, reduce manual inspections, and improve execution efficiency across stores.
Real-time SKU-level insights
Merchandising teams could monitor assortment, facings, new product launches, and planogram compliance while supporting decisions with shelf execution data.
Earlier maintenance signals
Continuous monitoring of temperature, door-opening activity, and cooler operating status improved performance monitoring and maintenance planning.
From periodic inspections to continuous, data-driven cooler management.
By providing a shared source of truth across operations, merchandising, and equipment teams, Clobotics helped Lawson move toward faster, more coordinated operating decisions.
Why Clobotics
Turn everyday cooler data into actionable insight
Clobotics combines AI image recognition, connected cooler monitoring, and operational workflows into a single platform.
Rather than simply capturing cooler images, the solution transforms everyday operational data into actionable insights, helping retailers improve execution, optimize merchandising, and manage equipment more effectively.
Explore Clobotics retail solutions or talk to our team about connected cooler operations.
