Migros Teo – Local supply around the clock in a fully automated shop
The Swiss company Migros Ostschweiz has been testing the "Migros Teo" fully automated 24/7 mini-shop concept for some time. The company was looking for an innovative solution to meet their requirements: access control, audio and people counting, while also addressing issues such as data protection, cyber security and sustainability.
Thanks to the collaboration of established companies, a complex and harmonised system at Migros Teo ensures secure and smooth operations. The various hardware and software components work together seamlessly in the background and enable consumers to enjoy a pleasant shopping experience at any time of day or night.
The first two 24/7 shops are very popular and provide Migros Ostschweiz with valuable information and analyses that will be incorporated into the construction of the next Migros Teo.
Mini supermarkets offer many advantages
Fully automated mini supermarkets are in vogue. It's no wonder since they offer advantages to both consumers and retailers. In partnership with the Federation of Migros Cooperatives and Migros Zürich, Migros Ostschweiz imported the concept of the fully automated Tegut Teo shop from Germany and used it as the basis for the Migros Teo. The first was opened in Bürglen in mid-October 2022, followed by the Teo in Neuhegi at the end of October 2022 and the Teo at Kloten railway station in March 2023.
One advantage is that the mini supermarkets require little space and are therefore also suitable for locations where a traditional supermarket is simply too large, for example in urban areas. However, the innovative shop concept is also used in rural areas and enables local supply to the population. Another scenario already in use is the temporary Migros Teo. If a supermarket is being renovated, for example, supplies can still be maintained on site thanks to a Migros Teo.
Autonomous shopping thanks to digital processes
In combination with other technologies such as access control, audio solutions and people counting, the solution enables a contactless shopping experience for customers. It was important to Migros that entering the supermarket is as convenient as possible for the customer and can be done using an app or debit/credit card.
Intelligent solutions ensure security and well-being
In addition to the issue of security, the well-being of consumers was essential for the implementation of the concept. Because: “The well-being of our customers is our top priority, at all levels. The ambience and atmosphere in a supermarket are very important to ensure that customers are eager to come back,” says Stefan Isenrich, Head of eFood & Smart Stores at Migros Ostschweiz.
Thanks to intelligent video analysis from Facit, the network cameras from Axis Communications can detect when a person has fallen or needs help, for example. The control center can react immediately and take appropriate action according to predefined processes with support from evalink alarm management system. Communication with customers takes place via the integrated Axis network speakers.
Complex system is convincing and sustainable
As the intelligent analysis is constantly being developed, even unusual situations do not pose a problem. The cameras recognize when a certain number of people inside the Teo has been reached and manage the access of new customers. This prevents overcrowding.
Migros Ostschweiz considers itself a sustainable company, which is why the durability, energy consumption and recyclable materials of the individual products were also criteria in the selection of suitable partners and installers. In Axis Communications, Migros has found a manufacturer that represents the same values and implements them in its actions. As an integrator, ES-Sicherheit in turn had the necessary expertise to link the individual systems together and integrate them into the Migros’ IT infrastructure.
It was a great advantage that Tegut in Germany already had experience with the concept of a fully automated supermarket. But you shouldn't underestimate the fact that this new, innovative retail concept also brings many challenges and new issues for Switzerland. It was definitely an advantage to work with experienced and strong partners who were able to provide us with comprehensive advice and had the necessary expertise to break new ground.
Challenges
In addition to the management and possible synergies between the different locations of the traditional Migros supermarkets and the Teos, the challenges also included legal and structural issues. Logistics also posed a number of questions. The changeover from the bulk logistics of a traditional supermarket to the smaller quantities required by Migros Teo is complex.
“We are delighted that the first automated Migros Teos have been so well received and that we have already learned a lot from the planning, implementation and use on site. Our valuable findings will of course be incorporated into the next planned Teos,” explains Isenrich.
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