Why AI Is Still Necessary When Staff Pick Bread for Customers

A Case Study of NEIGHBORS BREAD in Japan

December 11, 2024

NEIGHBORS BREAD, a bakery near Tokyo’s JR Sobu Line Koiwa Station, is known for its dedication to artisanal breadmaking. Like its sister brand, THE STANDARD BAKERS, NEIGHBORS BREAD uses high-quality Hokkaido wheat and butter to craft delicious loaves that appeal to both locals and busy commuters. Located near a busy station, NEIGHBORS BREAD often attracts large crowds during peak hours. Before the official opening, the bakery has actively sought tools to improve checkout efficiency.

AI to the Rescue: A Smarter Checkout

To address this challenge, NEIGHBORS BREAD turned to technology. During the search, NEIGHBORS BREAD’s iPad POS provider, Smaregi, introduced them to Viscovery’s AI Image Recognition System. The system is designed to identify bread items instantly, significantly speeding up the checkout process.

How Does It Work in the Bakery’s Display Case Settings?

NEIGHBORS BREAD uses European-style display cases to showcase its products. Customers select their desired loaves, and staff members pick them up and bring them to the register.

You might be wondering, “Why use AI if the staff is already handling the bread? Isn’t having a person handle the bread enough?”

Nevertheless, NEIGHBORS BREAD discovered that AI can do so much more.

Before AI, staff had to remember every single item, price, and input it all manually. AI has made this process a breeze. It can quickly identify each loaf, reducing errors and speeding up the checkout process. Moreover, AI frees up staff to focus on other tasks, such as assisting customers or preparing fresh bread.

A Human-AI Partnership

During certain times, such as slower hours or unexpected shift changes, there may only be one staff member at the checkout. In these moments, AI acts like a “second staff member,” ensuring a smooth and efficient checkout process.

Mr. Yamanaka, who is responsible for the operations at NEIGHBORS BREAD, shared, “Memorizing all the bread names and prices isn’t easy, especially for new employees. AI has made this process much easier, allowing our staff to focus on providing excellent customer service. It’s also helped us attract and retain talented individuals.”

After adopting AI, the store has established a collaborative model between staff and AI. “We don’t rely entirely on AI,” Mr. Yamanaka explained. “AI performs initial recognition, which staff then confirm for accuracy. This double-checking process also helps new employees quickly become familiar with the products.”

Viscovery’s AI System: Cost-Effective and Enhancing Competitiveness

Viscovery’s AI Recognition System is user-friendly, allowing even employees with minimal technical experience to operate it with ease. The setup process is quick, and any issues can be resolved online in real time. Moreover, compared to competing systems, Viscovery offers a more affordable implementation and lower operating costs, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses like NEIGHBORS BREAD. These factors, combined with the system’s accuracy and efficiency, set NEIGHBORS BREAD apart from competitors.

By integrating the AI system, NEIGHBORS BREAD streamlines operations while freeing staff to focus on personalized service—an irreplaceable human touch. This blend of traditional values and modern technology creates a seamless, heartwarming experience for every customer.