Everything You Need to Know About Tally Spot

Q: What is Tally Spot?

A: Tally Spot is Simbe’s fixed sensor solution, designed to complement Tally, the autonomous mobile robot. It extends visibility to high-priority areas of the store such as fresh produce, prepared foods, alcohol, cold medicine, and even the bottom of shopping carts at checkout, where frequent, targeted monitoring is critical. Together, Tally, Tally RFID, and Tally Spot create a comprehensive, integrated view of in-store inventory.

Q: How does this align with Simbe’s overall vision?

A: Tally Spot reinforces Simbe’s commitment to providing retailers with a single source of truth for in-store intelligence. By combining autonomous mobile robots, fixed sensors, and RFID into one platform, Simbe empowers retailers to make strategic, real-time decisions that improve operations, reduce shrink, and enhance the overall store experience.

To find out more on the difference between fixed cameras and robots, check out our blog post, Fixed Cameras vs. Robots in Retail

Q: Does Tally Spot take the place of Tally?

A: No, Tally Spot complements Tally rather than replacing it. Tally Spot focuses on high-frequency monitoring in specific areas like fresh foods, prepared meals, and checkout zones, while Tally autonomously scans the entire store. Together, they provide actionable insights that help retailers manage stock levels, prevent shrink, and improve the shopper experience.

Q: Can stores use Tally Spot without Tally?

A: Tally Spot is most effective when paired with Tally. While there may be a small number of use cases where Tally Spot can function as a standalone solution, Tally’s autonomous mobility and 3D cameras provide far greater coverage and precision, capturing tens of thousands of products across the entire store. This comprehensive data serves as the foundation for full-store intelligence, with Tally Spot adding high-frequency monitoring in critical areas.

Q: How is this different from the visibility and insights Tally already provides?

A: Tally scans the entire store, creating a “realogram” of current shelf conditions with precise product, pricing, and location data. Tally Spot builds on this foundation by providing more frequent, lower fidelity scans in high-priority areas. For example, it can continuously monitor fresh or prepared foods for stock levels or detect bottom-basket items at checkout to reduce shrink.

Q: Does Tally Spot take photos or video recordings of shoppers?

A: No, Tally Spot is not a surveillance tool. It is designed solely for inventory management, providing targeted monitoring of shelf conditions and stock levels in specific store areas.

Q: What types of retailers benefit the most from Tally Spot?

A: Tally Spot adds value to any retailer using Simbe’s platform. It is especially impactful in stores with high-turnover (fresh foods, prepared meals), high-theft (alcohol, cold medicine), or high-value (electronics, jewelry) areas. Retailers in verticals like grocery, wholesale, convenience, home improvement, and liquor stores can use Tally Spot to improve operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

Q: How is Tally Spot different from other fixed cameras on the market?

A: Tally Spot stands out due to its integration with Simbe’s Store Intelligence™ platform, modular design, and human-centered aesthetic. Unlike traditional fixed cameras:

• No Planogram Required: Tally creates a live map of the store’s shelf state, capturing product, pricing, and location data. Tally Spot builds on this with frequent scans in priority areas to reduce out-of-stocks and improve sales.
• Modular Design: Quick and adaptable installation fits any layout, whether on shelves, walls, or ceilings.
• Human-Centered Aesthetic: Inspired by Tally’s design, Tally Spot blends seamlessly into retail environments, fostering comfort for store teams and shoppers.
• Flexible Power Options: Operates via wall power or battery, suiting diverse operational needs.
• Vertically Integrated: Combines custom-built hardware and software for unmatched precision and quality, without relying on third parties.

Q: Where is Tally Spot installed in stores?

A: Tally Spot is adaptable to a variety of store setups. It can be installed on walls, shelves, or overhead to monitor high-priority areas, including fresh foods, end caps, alcohol sections, and checkout zones. Its flexible power options—wall power or battery—make it easy to integrate into any retail environment.

Q: What is the cost to add Tally Spot to stores?

A: For pricing information, contact a Simbe representative to discuss options tailored to your store’s needs.

Q: Where can I learn more about Tally Spot?

A: A beta version of Tally Spot is currently in use by select Simbe partners. Watch our product video or schedule a demo today to see how Simbe’s Store Intelligence™ solutions power the most retail banners in the world.