Canadian food retailer Sobeys is using IoT technology from Vancouver-based Danavation Technologies to automate its wholesale operations.

Sobeys’ wholesale division has awarded Danavation a contract to provide customised software that delivers end-to-end IoT operations management for the automation and streamlining of its wholesale operations.

Initially, the software roll-out is expected to go to approximately 300 of Sobeys’ wholesale customers.

This software provides wholesale operations with a unified digital experience across multiple hardware endpoints. Installation is planned primarily on its wholesale partners’ networked scanner devices, with data being pulled from internal systems.

Danavation’s custom-built software will be available across Sobeys’ wholesale customer portfolio, primarily on Android-based personal device assistants.

“I am pleased that Danavation is able to establish this partnership with a recognised grocery retailer and provide customised software designed to solve a variety of in-store challenges for their wholesale partners,” said John Ricci, CEO of Danavation. “Successfully delivering this customised software to an estimated 300 wholesale locations also provides Danavation connection with future potential customers.”

Danavation provides micro e-paper displays to organisations across North America. The company’s digital smart labels, powered by IoT automation technology and software platform-as-a-service (PaaS), enable companies across various sectors to automate labelling, price, product and promotions in real time, enhancing data accuracy and improving performance by removing high labour costs and low productivity associated with traditional labour-intensive workflows.

By empowering the adoption of smart retail, smart cities and Industry 4.0, the company says its goal is to create a sustainable and profitable business for shareholders while advancing sound environmental, social and governance practices, including by reducing paper usage. Danavation has introduced its technology to retailers across North America, including big box and boutique grocers, while targeting new markets including healthcare providers, manufacturing and logistics companies.

Sobeys is the second largest food retailer in Canada, with more than 1500 stores operating under a variety of banners. Headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, it operates stores in all ten provinces and accumulated sales of more than $25bn in 2019.