The grocery industry is experiencing a dual transformation driven by major retailers' unprecedented Ai investments and record-breaking e-commerce growth that reached $10 billion in July 2025. With over 60% of U.S. households now shopping online, grocers face mounting pressure to optimize both digital and physical operations. This analysis explores how AI-powered solutions like i3Ai Heat Mapping are helping grocery retailers understand customer behavior, optimize store layouts, and improve operational efficiency without additional hardware investments—providing the competitive edge needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving market.

The grocery revolution: how Ai-powered insights are transforming store operations 

The current retail landscape is marked by a dual challenge: an intensifying wave of cyberattacks, as seen with recent breaches at UK giants like Harrods, Marks & Spencer, and Co-op, leading to arrests linked to the notorious Scattered Spider group. Simultaneously, forward-thinking retailers like Lowe's are actively embracing AI for business transformation, focusing on enhancing customer experiences, driving efficiency, and ensuring successful adoption through continuous employee feedback and Ai literacy across all levels.

Navigating the modern retail landscape: cybersecurity vigilance meets Ai innovation

This blog post explores two critical challenges for C-Store operators in 2025: unmasking and stopping hidden financial losses and strategically boosting declining customer foot traffic. It delves into sources of unknown losses like inaccurate scans, product yield issues (such as a 15% yield loss from liquid cheese in liners due to improper scraping), and overportioning influenced by employee interaction with customers. Concurrently, it addresses the "major challenge" of shrinking foot traffic, noting trends like 7-Eleven's 6% year-over-year drop in Q1, while highlighting positive offsets such as increased basket sizes and growing delivery sales. The article emphasizes that leveraging data-driven insights and operational diligence is essential to safeguard profits and revitalize customer engagement for long-term success.


Unmasking hidden losses and boosting foot-traffic: essential strategies for C-Store success

This month's retail trends highlight a crucial dual focus on advanced technology and robust security. In marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how retailers engage with consumers, shifting from guesswork to self-learning algorithms that adapt to behavior in real-time, day by day and hour by hour.

Ai's proven results and the imperative of retail security 

This month's QSR insights highlight how quick-service restaurants are strategically leveraging technology to overcome persistent industry challenges like inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions. We delve into how smart, integrated systems are crucial for optimizing operational efficiency, enabling data-backed decision-making, and significantly reducing food waste. Additionally, the focus is on enhancing the customer experience with fast, flexible payment options and, critically, combating "shrink"—unaccounted losses from theft or errors—through advanced security measures and cash management solutions. Ultimately, the overarching theme is that technology is an indispensable necessity for QSRs to thrive, protect profits, and maintain a competitive edge in 2025.

QSR profitability in 2025: the indispensable role of smart technology

This blog explores the transformative role of Ai-driven surveillance in retail, highlighting how sophisticated technologies are reshaping security, operations, and customer experiences. Discover how retailers can effectively combat organized retail crime, optimize store performance, and prioritize customer privacy through strategic and responsible Ai integration. Learn how embracing these innovations positions retailers for sustained resilience and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Ai surveillance: The key to unlocking retail resilience and growth

AI is redefining speed, strategy, and service in the QSR industry. In this in-depth blog, we explore how Quick Service Restaurants are leveraging automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven insights to future-proof their operations. We also examine the growing challenges of data privacy, implementation complexity, and what it really takes to build a scalable, trustworthy AI strategy in foodservice. Discover how accessible, compliant solutions are shaping the next generation of restaurant innovation.

Precision, not just speed: why 2025 is the year QSRs embrace predictive performance

In this edition, we will explore how tech-driven strategies based on data-collection, can help your business stay one step ahead of uncertainty, and two steps ahead of the competition.

Turn uncertainty into opportunity: future-proof your business with actionable data

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) continues to pose significant challenges for retailers globally. According to the New York Post, shoplifting incidents in the U.S. surged by 24% during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, creating a pressing need for retailers to address this growing issue effectively. 

The rise of Organized Retail Crime: 2025 trends and predictions for 2026 

The holiday season is a critical time for retailers, marked by increased sales, larger customer volumes, and unfortunately, heightened security challenges. Organized retail crime (ORC), shoplifting, and operational inefficiencies are more pronounced during this period, putting pressure on businesses to ensure safety and streamline their operations. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changing strategy for tackling these issues. 

Securing retail during the Holiday season: how Ai-driven solutions combat theft and enhance operations 

As retail environments increasingly adopt advanced surveillance technologies, the challenge of balancing enhanced security with customer privacy has become critical. Systems such as AI-driven heat mapping, people counting, exception-based reporting, and trajectory anomaly detection offer significant benefits for operational efficiency but also raise valid concerns about the collection and use of customer data. This article explores how cutting-edge technologies can be implemented responsibly while safeguarding customer privacy. 

Balancing customer privacy with advanced surveillance technologies in retail 

Enhancing business security with PIAM: unlocking new potential in Physical Identity Access Management

(Toronto, ON) i3 International is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with National Loss Prevention Solutions (NLPS). Through this collaboration, i3 will integrate its advanced AI and video analytics technology into NLPS’s established offerings, providing enhanced solutions for loss prevention, safety, and operational efficiency. This partnership underscores i3's commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective tools to help retailers address the evolving challenges of today’s market.

i3 International and National Loss Prevention Solutions (NLPS) announce strategic partnership to deliver Ai-driven solutions for retail loss prevention and efficiency

i3 ends Windows 7e support. Upgrade to Windows 10 IoT to stay compliant.

Attention Windows 7e users - end of support notice

i3 International is proud to announce the granting of a new patent for our
groundbreaking Queue Management System, designed to shape the industry by
enhancing efficiency and customer experience in quick service restaurants (QSRs)
and retail stores. The official title of the patent is "System for Managing
Performance of a Service Establishment," and it is identified by patent number US
11,948,110 B2.

i3 International granted new Patent to cut down wait times in
restaurants and retail stores

Toronto, January 10, 2024 – i3 International, a leader in Ai and video solutions, proudly announces the achievement of SOC II certification, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional products and a secure environment for your video and data.

i3 International announces SOC II Certification: a testament of our commitment to quality and security

Dive into the profound benefits of customer loyalty in retail. From predictable revenue streams to strategic flexibility, discover how loyalty shapes successful retail brands - tailored for executives.

The unseen benefits of customer loyalty in retail

Discover how employee engagement and Ai analysis can help reduce shrinkage in self-checkout systems. Learn how proactive strategies enhance security, improve customer experience, and boost profitability in the retail industry. 

The impact of employee engagement on shrink at self-checkout 

Discover the tech-driven revolution in North American QSRs as drive-thru systems embrace cutting-edge advancements, personalization through data analytics, contactless technology, and AI. Also, explore the fast-food industry's eco-conscious shift towards sustainability to tackle environmental impact.

Tech-driven Drive-Thrus: enhancing QSR efficiency & sustainability

Discover Dave Morrone’s, Associate Executive Director at YMCA Burbank, firsthand account of his team's experience with seamlessly operating i3 International's platform and their smooth, disruption-free installation process with i3 products. 

YMCA: i3 system is easy to use, skip the learning curve

Shawn Nolan, Regional Facilities Director at YMCA Greater Boston, highlights how i3 International's advanced systems have empowered him to manage all 13 YMCA locations under his supervision efficiently. Through the utilization of i3 CMS's robust remote access and alert feature, Shawn can streamline operations with unprecedented ease. i3 systems also proved invaluable during a break-in, enabling swift identification of the culprit and asset recovery.

YMCA: streamlining day-to-day activities with i3’s powerful turnkey solution

Philip Defeo, IT Manager at YMCA of Greater Boston, details how the i3 international relationship has progressed over the years and how the hybrid cloud-based approach gave them both functionality and practicality, providing all the benefits of a cloud-managed system without the downfall of bandwidth overload. 

YMCA: the groundbreaking power behind hybrid storage 

Jeremy Stiles, Senior Association Director of Aquatics at YMCA Greater Boston, shares his experience with i3 International's products. With 13 pool locations to manage, i3's solution has provided invaluable external visibility, allowing Jeremy to remotely monitor his team and respond promptly to incidents like near-misses and accidents. The cameras' live and recording modes offer essential insights for incident review and staff training. Jeremy highly recommends i3's high-quality visibility, ease of navigation, and efficient indexing for anyone in the aquatics industry seeking advanced monitoring and safety solutions. 

YMCA: i3 provides external visibility from remote locations

Discover why You Only Look Once (YOLO) is considered the best model for AI-integrated video analytics. Learn about its fast and efficient real-time processing, high accuracy, flexibility, and real-world applications. Compare YOLO with OpenAI CLIP and understand why YOLO's architecture makes it the superior choice for video analytics.

You Only Look Once (YOLO): the best model for Ai-integrated video analytics?

Discover the power of video analytics in business intelligence and how it can help drive success. Learn how businesses can leverage video analytics to make informed decisions, improve customer experience, and increase operational efficiency. Explore real-world examples and best practices for implementing video analytics while maintaining data privacy and security. Discover the emerging trends and technologies that promise to revolutionize decision-making across industries.

The future of business intelligence: leveraging video analytics to drive success

Video analytics technology is transforming the manufacturing industry, providing businesses with increased accuracy, risk reduction, theft protection, cost savings, and improved productivity. With features such as temperature checks and object recognition, as well as facial recognition and real-time tracking of activities, video analytics is revolutionizing how we monitor people, products, and machines. Make sure your business remains safe with the help of this revolutionary technology!

Revolutionizing operations in the manufacturing industry with Ai

As the age-old adage goes- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This rings true in healthcare facilities where preventing violence and safeguarding patients, staff, and assets must remain a top priority - no matter how tight financial resources become or however challenging talent shortages can be. To meet this demand, video analytics has become a tool for consistent and reliable detection and identification of noncompliant behaviour, this helps security professionals stay one step ahead when it counts most.

Applying advanced video analytics in healthcare facilities

People's love affair with self-checkout is far from over. According to market data, the global automation and self-checkout system industry will have catapulted from USD 4.51 billion in 2022 to a whopping USD 12.01 billion by 2029 - highlighting an incredible 15% CAGR growth rate during that timeframe!

Self-checkout: the good, the bad and how to avoid the ugly

With the recession of 2023 looming, many Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) are wondering how they can survive the economic downturn.

Using BI to prepare your QSR for recession

Video surveillance systems are a great way to keep an eye on your business and ensure everything runs smoothly. With technological advances, these systems offer businesses many features, such as better decision-making power or even more security against potential intruders! Read further to learn about features you should not miss when buying a new video system for your business.

Best features to look for in a video surveillance system

Hear firsthand from Cosentino's Director of LP Corey Freeman on the vast benefits and applications of Ai and intelligent video. Learn how i3's solution saved them money in labor hours and liability costs and how Ai and video analytics contribute to their operational efficiency. 

Here's why Cosentino's switched to a loss prevention solution from i3

If you've worked in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry for any amount of time, you know that burnout is a real problem. The long hours and intense pressure to meet customer demands can take their toll on even the most dedicated workers.

How BI tools are reducing burnout in the QSR Industry

Convenience store owners are increasingly turning to convenience store video analytics to help them meet the needs of their customers.  Here, we explore four ways  data science can be used to improve your c-store business and generate more revenue.

4 ways to use convenience store video analytics

Networking has always been important, but it's imperative now in the age of the Internet. It has never been easier to connect with people from all over the world and to find like-minded individuals who share your interests.  

10 reasons you need to start networking today 

When it comes to fast food, the drive-thru is king. According to a recent study, 70% of customers say the drive-thru is essential when choosing a restaurant. 

Top 5 benefits of using a comprehensive drive-thru system

It's 2022, and believe it or not, most restaurant operators are leaning towards ai to solve many QSR-related problems, like the speed of service, order accuracy, and drive-thru solutions.

How Ai is helping in QSR workforce optimization

Tim Hortons Franchisee Jason St. Croix breaks down how i3 International's Queue Time Technology optimizes his store. 

Using Artificial Intelligence for in-store speed of service

John Ribson shares his experience on how i3 Ai analytics helps his Wendy's stores to cut losses and increase speed-of-service. 

Using i3 Ai to reduce shrink in Wendy's restaurants

Tim Hortons' Rick Murray talks about why he chose i3 International as his stores' surveillance and security solution. 

i3 International's solution is custom-made for Tim Hortons' stores

i3 wins the 2022 SIA NPS (New Product and Solutions) award for best in hosted solutions at ISC West, Las Vegas, NV.

i3 wins the 2022 SIA NPS award for best in hosted solutions at ISC West 2022

In our efforts to provide the latest and best for your safety, we bring you the most recent update for your SRX-pro mobile app to function seamlessly, as well as a change notice for our DVD optical drive for some of the NVR Servers.

Updates on our SRX-Pro mobile app and DVD optical drive hardware

(Mooresville, NC) The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) is excited to announce i3 International as the newest Associate Level Partner. The Associate level partnership secures numerous LPQ and LPC certification course scholarships and complimentary LPF memberships for i3 to distribute to industry professionals.

LPF Announces i3 International as newest associate-level partner

The grocery industry has evolved considerably in the last year with a massive expansion towards self-checkout, curbside and delivery services.

i3 smart video solutions for grocery stores

Using standard IP videos cameras combined with i3's Ai engine, i3 has enabled operators to measure speed of service for in-store, designated pickup areas, drive-thru, and curbside.

Smart video solutions for quick service restaurants

At i3 we have studied the trends and evolving security and safety regulations surrounding the education system during the pandemic. We have identified new approaches that can help your staff and students continue to learn in a safer and secure environment.

Smart video solutions for the education sector

i3 International brings smart video solutions to the convenience, fuel, and truck stop industry to help reduce costs, increase sales, and manage risk.

Smart video solutions for convenience stores and fuel retailers

As something that no one saw coming, the global COVID-19 crisis has had a detrimental impact on all areas of both social and economic liberties. Businesses and corporations of all sizes and scales have had to respond swiftly and efficiently to accommodate the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. 

Building a safer workplace with Ai-based solutions

Protecting the everyday with our unified forward-thinking security management solutions

A Culture of Innovation\nSavvy leaders shape the cultures of their departments to drive innovation. They know that culture—the values, norms, unconscious messages, and subtle behaviors of leaders and...

i3's culture of innovation

There is a family business on Birchmount Road that provides business intelligence services to major retailers, banks and government agencies all over the world.

i3 international on 150 neighbours

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