In a bid to tackle the challenges posed by rising energy costs, Usave, a chain of no-frills discount stores under the Shoprite Group in South Africa, has taken a pioneering step. They have adopted an advanced loss prevention system that not only cuts operational expenses but also enhances overall efficiency within their supermarkets.
Partnering with Azoteq, a prominent South African tech company, Usave has integrated the cutting-edge SmartSense™ technology into its operations. This innovative system is designed to monitor power consumption and enable rotational switching of store equipment during power outages. It proves particularly vital for stores located in rural and peri-urban areas where electricity supply can be unreliable.
Dewaldo Diedericks, General Manager of Usave, emphasizes the significance of this technological upgrade. He states,
“This pioneering work showcases how our real-time, proactive use of innovative, locally developed technology… helps us prevent unnecessary waste and reduce shrinkage-related costs—efficiencies that allow us to pass even more value and savings directly to our customers.”
The SmartSense™ system plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal conditions within key areas such as cold storage units, freezer rooms, and the sales floor. By continuously monitoring temperatures and issuing alerts when thresholds are exceeded, it prevents food spoilage while optimizing energy usage of equipment.
“This partnership has enabled us to respond swiftly to potential issues like freezer failures in real-time,”
explains Diedericks.
“We have achieved a remarkable 0% rate of stock loss across all stores where this system is in place.”
Moreover, the user-friendly dashboard provided by the SmartSense™ technology equips management with valuable real-time insights for better decision-making. It ensures enhanced food quality by averting costly equipment breakdowns before they occur.
As reported by IT News Africa [SOURCE], Usave’s adoption of this state-of-the-art solution extends beyond basic energy management. The system also tracks generator runtime and fuel levels—enabling efficient servicing schedules—and supports seamless transitions from generator power to hybrid inverter and battery power during outages.
Additionally, Usave leverages simulated power outages at specific times based on tariff structures. By switching over to batteries during peak hours when electricity costs are higher and recharging them during off-peak periods, significant cost savings have been achieved.
Diedericks further notes that this strategy has saved Usave over 80,000 hours’ worth of expensive services and reduced fossil fuel consumption significantly. With successful implementations already active at 202 locations, Usave aims to equip all its stores with SmartSense technology gradually.
Apart from enhancing operational efficiency through these measures aimed at reducing costs and preventing disruptions due to power outages or equipment failures; as part of its sustainability drive; Usave is progressively integrating solar energy into its operational mix at compatible hybrid system stores—a move that aligns with broader environmental conservation goals.
As companies strive for greater efficiency amidst evolving market dynamics; initiatives like these undertaken by Usave serve as exemplars; showcasing how strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies can deliver tangible benefits—from cost savings via optimized operations; better customer value propositions; improved resilience against unforeseen events—to substantial contributions towards sustainability efforts—all while advancing innovation within the retail landscape.
Attribution:
Source: www.itnewsafrica.com (Link: [https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2025/05/usave-enhances-store-efficiency-with-azoteqs-smartsense-tech-in-south-african-outlets/])
