Question 1

What is AI shelf monitoring?

Accepted Answer

AI shelf monitoring uses computer vision to analyze images of retail shelves, displays, coolers or counters and turn them into structured data about product presence, facings, positioning, availability, POS material and execution compliance.

Question 2

How does AI identify products on a retail shelf?

Accepted Answer

Computer-vision models are trained or configured to recognize defined products and visual patterns. The system can then identify relevant SKUs or shelf conditions from submitted images and apply business rules to produce scores or alerts.

Question 3

Can AI measure share of shelf?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where image quality and category configuration allow it, computer vision can estimate brand or SKU facings and use those counts to calculate share-of-shelf measures.

Question 4

Can shelf images be used to verify retailer incentives?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the program has clear visual rules, suitable verification controls, confidence thresholds and human review for ambiguous cases. The final incentive decision should follow auditable business rules.

Question 5

Is AI shelf monitoring only for modern trade?

Accepted Answer

No. The same principle can be applied to general trade, chemists, counters, coolers and other retail environments, although image-capture design and recognition difficulty vary by format.

Question 6

Can Shelf AI work with WhatsApp?

Accepted Answer

A shelf-intelligence workflow can be designed around low-friction image submission channels such as web or WhatsApp where appropriate. The underlying recognition and business-rule engine remains separate from the interface.

Question 7

Does AI replace retail auditors or field teams?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. It can automate routine evidence collection and scoring, helping people focus on exceptions, corrective actions, retailer conversations and higher-value field work.

FMCG Technology Tag