By Lea Mira, RTN staff writer – 9.3.2025
Starbucks is making significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence into its operational framework, particularly with the introduction of a cutting-edge automated inventory counting system. This innovative tool, which has already launched in thousands of company-operated locations, is set to be fully rolled out across all Starbucks-operated stores in North America by the end of September.
In collaboration with Seattle-based NomadGo, this system leverages handheld tablets alongside advanced technologies like computer vision, 3D spatial intelligence, and augmented reality. It efficiently scans shelves to provide instant insights into stock levels. One of the standout features of the system is its ability to flag low-stock items automatically, allowing baristas to proactively manage inventory and prevent shortages. This leap in efficiency means that tasks that previously consumed about an hour can now be completed in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, allowing staff to perform inventory checks up to eight times more frequently than before.
Deb Hall Lefevre, Starbucks’ chief technology officer, emphasized that technology at Starbucks prioritizes meaningful efficiencies rather than mere gimmicks. “With automated counting, we’re delivering both a better experience for partners and a more consistent, delightful experience for every customer who walks through our doors,” she stated. This focus on both the operational side and customer experience highlights Starbucks’ commitment to enhancing its services through technological advancements.
The implications of this technological upgrade extend well beyond just speed. The heightened frequency and accuracy of inventory counts provide near-real-time data, greatly enhancing supply chain responsiveness. This improvement can lead to faster deliveries and a reduction in stockouts. Lefevre noted that this modernization positively influences smarter replenishment strategies, ensuring that stores are always well-stocked while keeping staff focused on providing exceptional customer service instead of managing inventory lists.
This inventory system represents Starbucks’ third major technology initiative rolled out within a few months. Earlier in May, the brand introduced a Shift Marketplace tool to facilitate smoother shift management among baristas, followed by the unveiling of Green Dot Assist in June, an AI-powered assistant aimed at supporting store operations. Alongside these tools, a new Next Gen POS system is also in the pilot phase, indicating a comprehensive push towards technological modernization.
Starbucks’ adoption of NomadGo’s technology showcases a determined approach to utilizing AI and augmented reality to alleviate labor-intensive tasks. The potential for automating back-of-house functions could result in quantifiable efficiency gains, especially considering the scale at which Starbucks operates—nearly 17,000 stores in North America.
Meanwhile, competitors are also keenly pursuing similar technological advancements. McDonald’s, for instance, is making waves with its Restaurant Platform Edge, a Google-powered cloud system that is currently live in hundreds of U.S. locations and expanding globally. Among its innovative features is the AI-driven “Accuracy Scales,” which weigh outgoing orders and catch discrepancies before they reach the customer. This initiative has already enhanced order accuracy and customer trust and includes a “Ready on Arrival” feature to significantly reduce wait times.
Chick-fil-A is also investing in technology, experimenting with computer vision for food quality monitoring and utilizing geofencing-based mobile ordering tools to streamline kitchen operations and minimize wait times. Additionally, the chain’s investment in automation around its busy drive-thru reflects a widespread trend among fast-food brands to embrace technology to tackle operational challenges.
The collective efforts of these major quick-service brands suggest a clear trend: a robust investment in AI, computer vision, and augmented reality is not just a strategy for enhancing customer interactions but also a means of refining operational efficiency. For Starbucks, with its emphasis on partner empowerment and craftsmanship, the focus is equally on optimizing employee effectiveness while enhancing service quality.
With advancements in speed, accuracy, and frequency of data, Starbucks aims to automate portions of its operations. This approach is geared towards quicker deliveries and minimizing stockouts, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience. The modernization initiatives lay a strong foundation for improved supply chain optimization and frequent inventory replenishment, crucial elements in a highly competitive industry.
Starbucks’ successful deployment of AI holds promise, not only in terms of labor hour savings but also in achieving fewer stockouts, delivering consistent customer experiences, and allowing staff to redirect their energies from manual tasks to customer service. In a market where the precision of every ingredient can significantly influence customer trust, the integration of AI, augmented reality, and real-time intelligence could very well become a distinguishing factor in the future.