Massachusetts-based Form, a field execution platform for enterprise teams, has acquired Polish company ShelfWise, which makes a platform that recognises products and prices on retail shelves using AI.

This gives brands more accurate store data in near real time.

Together, Form and ShelfWise plan to create an integrated task management and image recognition platform to make in-store data collection faster, simpler and more reliable.

ShelfWise provides a real-time view of critical in-store conditions using computer vision that tracks product availability and placement. With ShelfWise, Form’s image recognition capabilities now enable retail audits on more display types, from shelves, displays and cold boxes, to drink coolers and menus, to give consumer goods brands, brokers, distributors and retailers full store visibility on product position, price, placement, assortment and competitor activity.

The acquisition marks another milestone in Form’s journey to create an end-to-end platform that makes frontline work easier and more efficient for enterprise teams across consumer goods, beer, wine, spirits, retail, restaurants and hospitality.

“Adding ShelfWise to our portfolio of best-in-class solutions is a critical development in fulfilling our product vision,” said Ali Moosani, CEO of Form. “As the digital assistant for the frontline, today we’re giving field teams more power, more visibility and more insight than they’ve ever had before.”

ShelfWise co-founders Tomasz Zietęk, CEO, and Rafał Cycoń, chief technology officer, share Moosani’s vision to deliver the world’s most accurate and intuitive computer vision for smart retail execution.

“From a product perspective, what’s exciting is the number of dedicated minds we and Form have to focus on the technology,” said Zietęk. “But what’s more exciting is what we can accomplish together from a business perspective. Imagine the incredible outcomes we can create for our customers.” 

The ShelfWise platform allows reps to capture images of products automatically on mobile devices, eliminating manual data collection and the compiling of lengthy reports on spreadsheets after store visits.

After reps capture photos, ShelfWise’s algorithm analyses data at the brand, SKU and UPC level, including facings, out-of-stocks, shelf share, and pricing and positioning before delivering accurate insights in near real time. Its capabilities include discrepancy reports, image overwriting, photo stitching, image acceptance and on-device reporting to cut audit times in half and improve in-store execution.

“Our strategy at Form is to automate repetitive tasks with intuitive technology that helps teams in the field do their jobs easier and faster, and now we can do that better than anyone,” said Moosani. “With ShelfWise, we can unleash the human power and creativity of mobile workers to create lasting value for their companies.” 

ShelfWise brings artificial intelligence to the shelf using image recognition technology that improves execution for retailers, distributors and brokers across the globe. Powered by machine learning and computer vision, the mobile platform recognises products and prices in-store before providing granular brand, market and competitive data in near real time. It helps reps get more value from their visits, and helps merchandisers sell smarter and faster on the shelf.