Casey’s taps edge computing software for its entire store network

Dive Brief:

Casey’s General Stores has partnered with technology company Acumera to use the firm’s network security and edge computing software throughout its entire convenience store network, according to a Feb. 7 announcement.
Acumera’s software will help manage and scale Casey’s legacy tech systems, container-based applications and digital content, as well as offer fully integrated monitoring and observability, Phil Stead, vice president of sales for Acumera, said in the announcement.
This is the latest in a series of technology investments for Casey’s over the past couple of years as the c-store retailer focuses on its digital transformation as a company.

Dive Insight:

Since the fall of 2022, Casey’s has tapped several tech tools to help it achieve its digital transformation goals, including a new supplier management tool, an expense management platform and an AI-driven automated voice assistance for pizza orders.

With Acumera, Casey’s will have the opportunity to lower costs by consolidating its hardware and extending its front-end hardware lifecycle, according to the announcement.

“With edge computing, Casey’s is bringing processing power into the store where it’s needed the most as it enables flexibility to run software apps on devices for our team members to best serve our guests,” Sanjeev Satturu, chief information officer for Casey’s, said in the announcement.

Partnering with Acumera will also allow Casey’s to take “an agnostic approach to cloud hosting providers, physical edge hardware vendors and third-party application vendors,” Mike Heine, director of business technology and architecture for Casey’s, said in the announcement.

“Edge computing is a foundation for technology to scale with our business growth, creates efficiencies that make technology smart and convenient and leads to a friction-free experience for our team members and guests,” Heine said.

Other c-store retailers that work with Acumera include Yesway and Jacksons Food Stores, according to the tech company’s website.

Austin, Texas-based Acumera’s networking and computing platforms are used at more than 50,000 locations. Besides c-stores, it works with brands across the broader retail segment, as well as hospitality companies.

Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s General Stores operates more than 2,600 convenience stores in 16 states.