Retailers continue to seek solutions that reduce manual workload while improving store accuracy. HomeBase USA is piloting advanced automation in its Copperas Cove, Texas, and Laramie, Wyoming, locations with the introduction of the Tally autonomous shelf-scanning robot by Simbe Robotics. Tally navigates stores autonomously, scanning inventory and providing data to store teams in real time. As retailers strive for efficiency, emerging technology such as Simbe’s Store Intelligence platform offers fresh tools for tackling persistent industry challenges surrounding inventory visibility and labor allocation.
Simbe Robotics’ Tally robot, previously deployed at BJ’s Wholesale Club across more than 230 sites, has steadily built a presence in major retailers. These wider deployments focused on large-format stores and emphasized the benefits of automated inventory insights. While earlier installations highlighted scale and automation, HomeBase USA’s current pilot applies these tools to stores with relatively smaller footprints, providing an opportunity to compare their effectiveness in a different retail environment. Tally’s expansion into Wyoming through HomeBase marks another step in Simbe’s nationwide growth.
How Does Tally Automate Inventory Checks?
Tally leverages autonomous mobility and shelf-scanning sensors to identify out-of-stock situations, misplaced items, and pricing errors multiple times a day. Data collected by the system is made instantly accessible to staff via a dedicated app, helping prioritize tasks according to inventory needs. Simbe contends that the process captures shelf-level data in real time, reducing gaps in stock coverage and labor inefficiency. According to HomeBase district manager Mark Dremel,
“Getting inventory right is fundamental to our business, and with Tally, we’re equipping our teams with the insights they need to succeed.”
What Benefits Has HomeBase Reported from the Pilot?
With the deployment of Tally, store associates can spend less time on manual inventory processes and refocus on customer service and higher-value assignments. Surveys conducted by Simbe indicate significant workforce satisfaction, with 90% of store managers responding positively to Tally’s presence, and indications that shoppers are more likely to return to stores using automated robots. HomeBase views the initiative as a step toward better operational and customer outcomes.
“This pilot is an exciting step toward improving both operational performance and the in-store experience, and we’re eager to see Tally’s impact as we look to scale,”
Dremel added.
How Does Simbe’s Performance Data Compare?
Simbe Robotics claims that stores using Tally have achieved up to 98% on-shelf product availability and noted an increase of up to 2% in gross margins, as well as reallocating more than 50 labor hours per store weekly. The robot is engineered to safely traverse active aisles and minimize disruption to shoppers, while delivering data to various sectors including hardware, grocery, and farm supply. These metrics, if replicated at HomeBase, could contribute to their overall store productivity and profitability.
The decision by HomeBase USA to implement Tally in smaller regional stores contrasts with past rollouts in large network retailers. Key differences may arise in both the scale of impact and speed of data-driven improvement. The increasing adoption of such technologies reflects persistent labor shortages and the escalating need for operational accuracy in diverse retail footprints.
As automation gains more traction in retail, the deployment of Simbe’s Tally robot with HomeBase USA represents an incremental move towards digitized store management. For retailers, real-time shelf intelligence equips decision-makers to tackle stockouts and misplaced items, which are central to minimizing revenue loss and improving shopper satisfaction. Companies considering similar automation projects should carefully evaluate their store formats, staffing patterns, and expected inventory complexities. While broad claims on returns and operational uplift are encouraging, organizations should pilot automation within their own context to determine the magnitude of potential benefits. The ongoing feedback from staff and shoppers, together with performance analytics, will be critical evidence for scaling such projects.
- HomeBase USA introduced Simbe’s Tally robot to automate inventory management.
- Tally scans shelves and delivers real-time data for store teams’ actions.
- Pilot results will influence future use in similar American retail environments.
