Blog | nearby computing
Retail at the Edge: The Need for Real-Time and Resilient Store Infrastructure
Among the 157 vendors Gartner analysed, only 16 were found to offer integrated edge solutions tailored for retail. Nearby Computing is recognised as one of these select providers, bringing deep retail focus through its automation and orchestration platform: NearbyOne.
What sets Nearby Computing apart?
Edge AI’s true power lies in its ability to act autonomously:
End-to-end orchestration from device edge to compute edge across thousands of retail locations.
Resilience and zero-touch deployment, reducing the dependency on cloud uptime or manual store visits.
Seamless integration with store systems, POS infrastructure, and AI/IoT applications.
Real-time visibility and failover capability for mission-critical services like checkout, pricing, and stock control.
NearbyOne empowers retailers to unify their fragmented infrastructure into a centralised, intelligent system—without compromising performance at the edge.
Edge Use Cases Powering Retail Innovation
Based on Gartner’s review of 30 edge deployments across retail, three high-impact use case categories emerged:
1. System Failure Prevention
Edge nodes ensure POS, cameras, and self-checkouts continue operating during internet or cloud outages—crucial for uninterrupted customer service and compliance.
2. Optimised Business Processes
From automated stock replenishment to real-time pricing updates, edge computing supports smarter, faster retail decisions. Localised processing enables predictive actions, reducing waste and increasing sales.
3. Intelligent Self-Service Checkouts
Edge AI enables contactless, queue-free experiences—identifying products, processing payments, and sending updates without latency. This boosts customer satisfaction and store throughput.
Business Outcomes from Edge Retail Deployments
The benefits cited in Gartner’s report align strongly with NearbyOne’s capabilities:
Outcome
Enhanced CX
Operational Efficiency
Security & Compliance
Reduced TCO
Scalability & Flexibility
Benefit
Faster transactions, accurate stock visibility, tailored in-store journeys.
Local decision-making, fewer outages, improved associate productivity.
Localised PII processing for GDPR and other regulations.
Lower bandwidth costs and cloud dependency.
Easily expand edge deployments across thousands of stores.
A Retailer’s Edge in Action
With edge computing no longer optional for future-ready retailers, selecting the right partner is critical. Gartner’s inclusion of Nearby Computing in its list of recommended vendors affirms the company’s role in helping retailers:
- Orchestrate at scale across geographies.
- Achieve true cloud–edge convergence.
- Future-proof store operations with automation and resilience.
Whether you’re looking to digitise self-service, automate inventory, or enhance in-store experiences, NearbyOne offers a powerful edge-to-cloud platform built for modern retail.
