HomeBase USA rolls out inventory scanning robots following pilot
A regional home improvement retailer is taking the next step when it comes to utilizing automated in-store robots.
After a successful two-store pilot that launched a year ago, HomeBase USA has expanded Simbe’s Store Intelligence platform, including the use of Tally inventory robots, across all of its locations. The rollout brings Tally and Simbe’s suite of solutions to nine stores across Texas, Wyoming, Kansas and Missouri.
With continuous visibility into shelf conditions, HomeBase teams can identify and resolve issues before they affect customers. The retailer’s stores feature expansive footprints and tens of thousands of SKUs spanning farm, ranch, hardware, seasonal and everyday essentials.
"Strengthening how we operate across every store makes it even better to work and shop at HomeBase," said Joel McLiney, owner and CEO of HomeBase USA. "Simbe helped our teams focus on what matters most each day, and the results gave us confidence to introduce Tally to all our stores in less than three months."
HomeBase says its rapid rollout of Simbe's tools are in part to its “disciplined approach” to operational adoption. Rather than treating Tally as a technology deployment, the retailer incorporated real-time shelf intelligence into daily operating routines, with leadership establishing “clear expectations, embedded insights into store workflows, and empowered teams to act quickly.”
[READ MORE: Midwest grocer B&R Stores rolls out in-store inventory robots]
Simbe and HomeBase said the pilot reduced pricing errors by 92%, lowered controllable out-of-stocks by 58%, brought total out-of-stocks below one percent, and shortened annual physical inventories from three days to less than one.
“Instead of spending time searching for problems, our teams start each day knowing exactly where to focus,” said Tim Blakesley, store manager at HomeBase USA. “That means more time helping customers and making life easier for associates.”
Other Simbe clients include Kroger, SPAR, BJ’s Wholesale Club and more.
