How Retailers Can Unlock Growth with Edge Computing on Amazon Web Services

Retailers face a difficult balance: modernize infrastructure while maintaining disciplined capital investment.

Key challenges include:

1. Expensive, siloed store servers
2. Lack of unified architecture between cloud and edge
3. Growing demand for advanced in-store applications (AI, IoT, computer vision)

According to IDC, by 2028:

• 30% of retailers will cut 10% of IT costs through distributed edge computing with onboard AI chips
• Latency reductions will improve operational performance across the store environment

The message is clear: edge computing has moved from innovation to necessity.

Measurable Impact for Retailers

Retailers adopting modern edge computing can achieve:

• 70% faster deployment of new store features and applications
• 10% IT cost reduction through server consolidation
• 60% lower latency for improved application performance
• Enhanced security, compliance, and resiliency via centralized management
• Improved data management and disaster recovery capabilities

Key Use Cases Driving Business Value

1. Store Server Consolidation

Most retailers operate 3–5 separate servers per store for POS, inventory, and security. With Amazon EKS Hybrid Nodes, these workloads can be consolidated on a single modern edge platform.

Example: AWS Partner Spectro Cloud helped a global coffee chain cut its server footprint by 60%, reduce IT costs by 10–15%, and simplify management—while creating a foundation for future innovation.

2. Modern Point of Sale (POS)

Traditional POS systems rely on expensive dedicated hardware. Edge computing allows POS modernization with containerized applications on EKS Hybrid Nodes.

Example: AWS Partner Artisan Studios enabled a US quick-service restaurant to deploy a cloud-native POS solution, reducing hardware costs by 40% while ensuring:

• Faster feature updates
• Improved reliability
• Offline operation and real-time inventory updates

3. Advanced In-Store Applications

Edge computing enables AI, IoT, and computer vision directly at the store level:

• Real-time video analytics for inventory monitoring
• IoT sensors for environmental control
• AI/ML models for personalized customer experiences

Example: GameStop deployed a frontline superapp unifying store data, operations, and communications. The result: better audit compliance, reduced shrinkage, higher employee engagement, and real-time decision-making.

AWS Solutions for Retail Edge

AWS provides prescriptive architectural guidance and partner support to implement scalable edge computing:

• Amazon EKS Hybrid Nodes: Run Kubernetes workloads consistently across edge and cloud
• AWS Outposts Family: Extend AWS services to on-premises environments
• AI at the Edge: Deploy lightweight models and containers for in-store innovation
• Partner Solutions: Pre-built offerings from Spectro Cloud, Artisan Studios, and others
• AWS Professional Services: Technical expertise for design, deployment, and scaling

Reference architectures cover networking, security, observability, and lifecycle management—helping retailers modernize POS, inventory management, and in-store applications with confidence.

A Structured Path to Modernization

• Assessment

Map existing infrastructure and identify opportunities for consolidation. Example: Spectro Cloud’s framework for modernization planning.

• Implementation

New stores: Deploy full-scale edge platforms. Existing stores: Modernize gradually with minimal disruption. Hybrid approach: Combine both for flexibility.

• Investment Strategy

Deploy edge solutions store-by-store, balancing immediate ROI with long-term goals. Flexible models ensure costs align with value delivered.

The Future of Retail is at the Edge

By 2026, 90% of retail tools will embed AI algorithms (IDC). Retailers that invest today in AWS-powered edge computing will be ready to leverage AI, IoT, and advanced analytics at scale.

With Softprom as your trusted Amazon Web Services partner, you gain access to:

• AWS expertise and professional services
• Validated partner solutions for retail
• A clear roadmap for edge modernization

Don’t let competitors get ahead. Contact Softprom to schedule a discovery session and explore how AWS edge computing can transform your retail operations.