Short Description

For those in search of the keys to unlock the future of efficient and innovative business, the case study of Cool Beer not only sheds light on technological prowess but also illustrates how strategic vision can translate into a lasting business edge. This instance impressively floors you with insights into the use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and predictive analytics, not just for enhancing corporate efficiency but also for boosting customer satisfaction.

City: Beograd
Website: https://www.coolbeer.rs/
Sector: Cooling systems
Activity: Service for commercial refrigeration equipment

Company Portrait

Founded in 2007, Cool Beer is Serbia’s leading company in the servicing of commercial refrigeration equipment. This multifaceted firm offers a broad range of services – from refrigerated display cases, freezers, to beer dispensing equipment, juice, and other beverage machines. With over 170,000 serviced units, Cool Beer is an indispensable player in the industry.

The company is focused on territorial completeness, covering 100% of Serbia with its team of 102 employees. Additionally, through partnerships with leading service firms in the former Yugoslav countries, Cool Beer provides regional coverage, allowing clients to utilize services with the same operating system across borders.

In recent years, the company has expanded its portfolio by venturing into the development and production of IT equipment, holding globally valid certificates. This move is not just diversification but reflects a visionary spirit and a push for digital transformation.

Long-standing experience and knowledge gained in both international and domestic companies enable Cool Beer to offer high-quality servicing services. The firm provides regular preventive maintenance, warranty and non-warranty repairs, as well as quick installation and replacement of equipment on-site. Having a large stock of spare parts for all the equipment they service further supports their efficiency and response speed.

Thanks to its outstanding service quality and competitive prices, the company’s client list is continuously growing, confirming Cool Beer’s status as the firm with the largest and best service network in Serbia.

Requirements

The company already has a significant foundation for digital transformation. With a hybrid IT infrastructure, part of the resources and applications are hosted locally, while another part is in the cloud, distributed across multiple servers. Although this approach has its advantages, it also opens up challenges in data management and security, especially with the increasing volume of sensitive information the company processes.

Most employees are field-based, either in goods delivery or service provision. The use of advanced IoT technology allows for the monitoring and control of refrigeration units, but management and oversight are not fully automated. For instance, field agents still manually count inventory in clients’ refrigerators. Additionally, while AI algorithms are used for data analysis, this data is fragmented and still insufficiently integrated into business decision-making and operational processes.

This situation highlights several key challenges. The first is the introduction of human factors into processes, which creates room for errors and reduces efficiency. The second challenge is the suboptimal use of the large amount of collected data, limiting the company’s ability to make informed and quick decisions. Finally, as the company grows, the issue of information security becomes increasingly relevant.

Recognizing these challenges, as well as the opportunities hidden behind the data, the company conducted a comprehensive analysis of its operational processes and customer needs. After thorough consideration, it was determined that inventory management represents a key priority and exceptional potential for developing a new service. This focus is not just a result of the desire to improve internal efficiency but also a response to the growing demand for personalized and swift services in the industry.

AI Solution

The implementation project was highly ambitious and aimed at the digital transformation of operational processes regarding inventory management. The project focused on three key areas: the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and real-time reporting.

The project planned for the deployment of an IoT sensor network in 30 refrigerated display cases at various locations. A key innovation was the integration of wide-angle lens cameras installed inside the door of each case. This setup completely digitalized the inventory process. Cameras were programmed to record the interiors of the refrigerated cases and send images to the software system in real time.

This is where artificial intelligence came into play. A software was developed that uses algorithms to analyze the images taken by the cameras. These algorithms could identify different brands and products within the cases, count the quantities, and recognize the arrangement. Additionally, a Big Data analytics feature was developed that uses machine learning to predict product ordering over a specified time period. This prediction could be adjusted based on various external factors such as the season, weather conditions, or current events.

Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence, the system is capable of advanced data processing. Based on the data obtained through Computer Vision technology, AI algorithms cross-reference brand and quantity data with various test factors, both internal and external, to further optimize inventory management.

Finally, real-time reporting was enabled. At any moment, a report can be requested that includes a map of the refrigerated display case fill levels, the type and quantity of goods, and predictions for future purchases.

This project marked a significant leap in the digital transformation of Cool Beer, setting new standards for efficiency and innovation in inventory management.

Measuring Success

A year into the implementation of the project at Cool Beer, the results have been more than impressive, delivering tangible value to both the company and its clients. The productivity of inventory listing with minimal human intervention achieved a remarkable 70% increase. This not only improved efficiency but also reduced the possibility of inventory errors, resulting in more accurate and faster procurement decisions.

The company’s environmental footprint has also been significantly reduced. Thanks to optimized logistical operations, CO2 emissions per acquisition vehicle were reduced by about 40%. This has allowed the company to make significant strides toward sustainable business practices, increasingly in focus for both consumers and regulatory bodies.

Moreover, logistical optimization enabled consolidated transport, further lowering transportation costs by about 25%. These savings have been redirected towards innovation and the development of new services, further solidifying the company’s market position.

But perhaps the most significant contribution of the project was in the area of predictive analytics. After collecting enough historical data, artificial intelligence algorithms can now predict future purchases with 95% accuracy, considering various external factors such as the season, weather conditions, and current events. This not only eases planning but also allows for the provision of personalized services to clients, further affirming the company’s leading role in the sector.

In summary, the implementation of this project has had a wide range of positive impacts that have transformed both internal processes and the relationship with clients.

Concluding Considerations

Real-time inventory is not just a technological leap forward but a true revolution in the way we do business. The implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept, where technologies like IoT and artificial intelligence play a key role, opens doors to innovations that were previously unimaginable. Moreover, it allows for a deeper understanding of consumer habits, optimization of the supply chain, and anticipation of demand changes.

This not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens new horizons for personalized services. In today’s era, where consumers are increasingly demanding and informed, the ability to offer the right thing, at the right time, and in the right place, becomes a critical competitive advantage. In this context, real-time inventory serves as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds, enabling companies to create richer and more personalized user experiences.

Ecological responsibility is another significant aspect. Through the optimization of the supply chain and logistics, the ecological footprint is reduced, which is invaluable in the face of current global challenges like climate change.

Ultimately, real-time inventory is not just about the ‘here and now’; it’s an investment in the future. Through automation and precise analytics, companies are preparing for upcoming challenges while at the same time shaping industrial standards and practices.