Partners SAP, a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, and Aramark Germany have jointly opened an innovative, seamless shopping experience that radically rethinks food shopping.
The new modular S.Mart Store at the SAP headquarters in Walldorf, Germany, is open 24/7 for SAP employees, operates completely without staff, and enables a seamless shopping experience with no wait time.
“With the S.Mart Store, we are setting a new standard for the future of shopping—a real-world innovation lab that combines cutting-edge technology and a seamless customer experience,” explained Andre Bechtold, Head of Solution and Innovation Experience at SAP. “By intelligently combining SAP software, partner solutions, and advanced AI, we are creating groundbreaking opportunities for retailers that is efficient, highly personalized, and fully automated.”
For Aramark Germany, the project is a new milestone on the road to a modern supply model.
“For us, the S.Mart Store is a logical next step in putting innovative technologies into practice,” said Arnd Rune Thomas, CEO, Aramark Germany. “Together with SAP, we are creating a format that not only can be operated efficiently but also meets the expectations of an increasingly digital customer base—while setting new standards in convenience, safety, and sustainability.”
Innovative Technology Simplifies Everyday Life
Despite the complex technology happening behind the scenes, shopping at the S.Mart Store is surprisingly easy for users. Access is via an app, which is also one of the three checkout options offered.
In addition to the “Scan and Go” option offered in the app and the classic self-checkout at the point of sale, there is a third contactless payment option where the system automatically registers the products using RFID technology. The customer experience remains intuitive throughout.
Optimized operations are also supported by strategically placed intelligent cameras that capture customer behavior in real time and analyze movement patterns and product interactions.
This is made possible by the intelligent interlinking of several SAP solutions with real-time data processing, AI, and a locally integrated edge server. This processes data directly in the store, accelerates operations, and supports real-time video analysis and fraud detection.
The integration of AI-supported analysis software and a retail media platform enables seamless management of customer interactions, digital advertising and security monitoring. The protection of personal data is at the forefront of all processes. All analyses are carried out in accordance with data protection laws and serve to optimize the range of products and services and security in the store.
Practical and Future-Oriented
The store is a real-world example of how modern technologies can make retail food shopping more efficient, sustainable, and customer friendly.
The automated temperature monitoring of fresh goods, AI-based control of product placement, and personalized product recommendations are already being tested there.
The next stage of development will see the addition of voice-controlled assistance systems, digital shelf controls and intelligent shelf-life analyses.
In addition to SAP and Aramark, numerous technology and implementation partners are involved in the project, including Intel, Lenovo, and Diebold Nixdorf. Together, they provide the technological and infrastructural basis for a format that can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of locations and usage scenarios.
