I don’t normally talk about this level of finished products, but I liked the concept. I think it could easily be replicated. On Thursday, November 21st, Amazon unveiled the Dash Smart Shelf, a smart scale that’s connected to WiFi, uses Amazon’s shopping services and automatically re-orders office supplies when they’re running low. Amazon is also offering 15% discounts on items like Bic pens, 3M Post-it Notes, Scotch tape, Keurig and Folgers coffee, and more for businesses who use the device. The smart devices are set to go on sale next year, but prices have not been announced.
The Dash Smart Shelves allow customers to automatically re-order an item when supplies run low. (Image Credit: Amazon Dash Smart Shelf)
The scale is designed to be used in supply rooms for small businesses. It works by detecting the weight of office supplies like paper or pens that are set on top of the shelf. Customers have the option to set up the shelf so it will automatically re-order supplies when they’re low. They can also send out a notification to the supplier manager to manually place a new order. However, if supplies are temporarily removed, customers won’t have to worry about the shelf re-ordering it because the system is designed to prevent accidental automatic reorders.
It’s quite easy to set up the scale too. All the user has to do is either plug it into an outlet or just insert four AAA batteries, connect it to WiFi through Amazon. Then the user will just need to use their Amazon Business account or the Amazon app to specify which supply will be used on the shelf. The Dash Smart Shelf is one inch in height and has three different sizes, small (7x7 inches), medium (12x10 inches) and large (18x13 inches).
The Amazon Dash Smart Shelves comes in three sizes and will go on sale for small business starting next year. (Image Credit: Amazon Dash Smart Shelf)
Earlier this year, Amazon discontinued the Dash buttons, which was the inspiration behind Amazon’s Dash Smart Shelf and had a similar concept. When a customer pressed the button, the services would re-order an item for them, and it could even be used at home. The Dash Replenishment Service is still available on devices like printers. The company has decided that a more appropriate setting for its re-ordering services is with small businesses.
Testing for the Dash Smart Shelf will be taking place this month with selected partners. The device will only be available to Amazon Business customers who have a registered US business license starting in 2020.
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