Starbucks to use AI to track inventory, free up baristas to connect PDF Free Download
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Starbucks to use AI to track inventory, free
up baristas to connect
September 4 2025, by Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Next time a Starbucks barista tells you that your favorite latte flavor is
out of stock, blame artificial intelligence.
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The Seattle-based coffee giant said Wednesday that it is embracing AI
technology to keep track of inventory in its coffeehouses.
Over the past few months, Starbucks rolled out "AI-powered automated
counting" to assess inventory across thousands of its coffeehouses in
North America, the company said. The technology replaces the practice
of manually tallying inventory.
The change will take effect at all Starbucks stores by the month's end.
"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," chief technology officer Deb Hall Lefevre wrote in a
news release. "Customers can enjoy beverages their way, every
time—and partners spend less time in the backroom and more time
crafting and connecting." Starbucks calls its employees partners.
The technology, which was developed in collaboration with Redmond-
based software company NomadGo, relies on "computer vision, 3D
spatial intelligence and augmented reality," Starbucks said. It counts
inventory in minutes and delivers information on product availability.
NomadGo said in a news release that the technology was deployed at
over 11,000 Starbucks locations in North America. It described the
method, which is used through tablets and smartphones, as 99%
accurate.
"Manual inventory counting has long been one of the most disliked and
error-prone tasks in food service and retail," the company wrote
Wednesday.
Starbucks said that, soon, the technology "will even automate restock
orders."
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The coffee chain estimates that, as a result of the new technology,
inventory is counted eight times more frequently. The data also helps
speed up deliveries and curb stock-outs.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said in an investor call in July that he is
focused on creating "the coffeehouse of the future," a redesigned coffee
shop that costs less to construct. Niccol revived the coffeehouse tradition
of writing on cups with Sharpie markers.
The chain plans to incorporate healthier products, such as sugar-free
beverages and drinks featuring coconut water, to appeal to conscientious
clientele.
Starbucks is also capitalizing on the growing interest in protein
consumption. Recently, it confirmed the release of its protein lattes and
protein cold foam, which is scheduled for Sept. 29 in the U.S. and
Canada.
But still, it is not abandoning its calorie-packed offerings. Late last
month, it welcomed back the cult favorite pumpkin spice latte and other
seasonal products, which resulted in "a record-breaking sales week" in
the U.S., Bloomberg reported Monday.
"At Starbucks, innovations are grounded in a simple goal: to elevate the
craft of coffee and deepen human connection," Hall Lefevre wrote.
2025 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Citation: Starbucks to use AI to track inventory, free up baristas to connect (2025, September 4)
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