Starbucks (SBUX) is bringing artificial intelligence to one of the most time-consuming parts of store operations: inventory counting. The company announced Wednesday that a new AI-driven inventory system will be deployed across more than 11,000 company-owned locations in North America by the end of September, representing one of the largest technology rollouts in its history.
The system equips store employees with a handheld tablet loaded with software designed to scan shelves, automatically count items, and flag products running low. The goal is to speed up restocking, reduce errors, and ensure that high-demand ingredients like cold foam, oat milk, and caramel drizzle are consistently available.
In a statement, Starbucks Chief Technology Officer Deb Hall Lefevre said the technology enables faster replenishment and frees staff to focus more on customer service. “Customers can enjoy beverages their way, every time — and partners spend less time in the backroom and more time crafting and connecting,” she wrote. According to Lefevre, stores already using the system are now conducting inventory checks eight times more frequently than before, a change the company says is leading to fresher ingredients and fewer out-of-stock items.
The AI technology comes from NomadGo, a Seattle-based company that provides inventory solutions to several food-service chains. On its website, NomadGo highlights its work with franchisees for Taco Bell and KFC, and describes its technology as a “unique synthesis of on-device 3D spatial intelligence, computer vision, and augmented reality.” CEO David Greschler said in a release that inventory tracking has historically been “a manual, tedious, and inaccurate task” and that the company’s platform aims to turn it into a precise, near-real-time process.
Starbucks framed the AI rollout as part of a broader supply chain optimization strategy under CEO Brian Niccol, who has been increasingly vocal about the potential for technology to streamline operations. In recent months, the coffee giant has introduced “Green Dot Assist,” a virtual assistant for employees, and “Smart Queue,” a system that sequences and prioritizes customer orders to reduce wait times.
The new inventory system is arriving at a critical time for Starbucks, which continues to see robust demand for customized drinks and specialty ingredients even as it works to control costs. By shifting more routine tasks to AI-powered tools, the company hopes to reduce bottlenecks, improve product availability, and allow store “partners” to spend more time interacting with customers — an approach it believes will translate into higher satisfaction and repeat visits.
As of early afternoon trading Wednesday, Starbucks shares were down 2.88% at $87.19. Despite the dip, executives say the AI rollout reflects a long-term commitment to using technology to improve both the customer experience and operational efficiency across its vast store network.
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