Quectel’s BG95-M3 module enables CoolR to provide CPGs with always-on insight into all stores to optimize retail execution
CoolR Group provides integrated IoT, computer vision and analytics software to boost the growth and on-shelf availability for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs) companies such as Unilever, Coca Cola and PepsiCo. With continuous shelf insights, automated workflows and suggested orders, CoolR Group has been able to achieve up to 40% improvement in sales in the first year for CPGs that connect their assets. VistaZ by CoolR allows CPGs to monitor commercial freezers, refrigerators and retail shelves wirelessly, as if the CPG had a virtual sales rep at every store every day.
The company has selected Quectel’s BG95-M3 module for its patent pending VistaZ product, a battery-operated camera device that can be retrofitted to commercial equipment without wires or dependency on in-store connectivity. The product integrates CoolR’s zero-energy self-recharging design by harvesting energy from ambient light within stores. The device is a truly peel-n-stick product that can be physically installed in seconds with no cables or no power plugs as everything is accommodated in the device unibody.
The Quectel BG95-M3 was chosen for its global coverage and low power consumption. The module is a multi-band LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2 and EGPRS product that achieves maximum downlink rates of 588Kbps and uplink rates of 1119Kbps using Cat M1. Measuring 51.0mm x 30.0mm x 4.9mm, the module operates in an extended temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, allowing designers and integrators to benefit from mechanical intensity and low power consumption. The product is ideal for a wide range of IoT applications including wireless point of sale, smart metering and asset tracking.
“Our project was fast paced, and we encountered certain connectivity and efficiency challenges while working in various European countries,” explains Durlabh Jain, the Chief Executive Officer of CoolR Group. “The Quectel team made it quite easy to get these issues resolved by making technical resources available. In addition, we needed a global module so that we can use a single stock-keeping unit (SKU) across the world and the Quectel BG95-M3 allows us to make that happen.”
The CoolR VistaZ is currently being deployed in the USA, UK, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and India to drive retail execution excellence for CPGs. The company is also targeting Canada, the Pacific region as well as Central America and Latin America.
“We’re delighted that CoolR has selected the Quectel BG95-M3 module for its innovative VistaZ product which is set to transform how CPG companies gather data from retailers and their own in-store assets,” says Peter Fowler, Senior Vice President ,North America at Quectel Wireless Solutions. “The BG95 offers the low power consumption and compact form factor that makes it ideal for connecting retail shelves, commercial refrigerators and freezers. We look forward to supporting CoolR’s global deployments of VistaZ products.”
Jain adds that CoolR found Quectel’s expertise in global connectivity, high quality support, competitive pricing and strong module availability were the key reasons for selecting the BG95-M3 module for this potentially enormous market. “There are more 120 million assets owned by CPG companies where there is no monitoring as of today,” he says. “With this retrofit option, CPG companies can monitor these with minimum footprint and dependencies. With overall ROI of over 100% in first three months and unprecedented sales growth opportunities, VistaZ has proven to be a one-of-a-kind solution.”