All-in-one POS system and integrated back office suite built for grocery
Vori is a startup based in San Francisco on a mission to modernize B2B operating system for the grocery industry. The integrated system connects data across the food supply chain, streamlining operations for grocers and suppliers while democratizing food supply access.
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Hardware is the first customer touchpoint and impression, but it failed to reflect the team's work, brand, or vision.
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Assembling hardware from Amazon parts is flimsy and unreliable, often requiring service calls for minor issues.
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On-site assembly of hardware and parts was time-consuming, inefficient, and often created friction with new customers and store owners.
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Custom made sheetmetal parts and 3D printed hardware enclosures to streamline hardware assembly, enable hardware preparation to be done off-site and making lane integration more efficient.
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Delivered well-crafted hardware experiences at the same cost as ad-hoc Amazon builds.
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From the 300+ units dispatched, less than less 5 service calls related to POS hardware were received.
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Reduced on-site installation time by 30% making the POS hardware integration more streamlined.
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Jeff Lin, Brandon Hill, Tremaine Kirkman, Chris Matsuda, Matt Craddock, Griffin Dalbec
2025
Crafting hardware experiences for early-stage startup is difficult and cost prohibitive—many hack and tape together parts from Amazon.
We redesigned the Vori POS to craft early adopter experiences and optimize the hardware rollout at no additional cost.
Shopper POS
The iPad display and payment terminal work together to let shoppers review their items and complete checkout. The card slot is highlighted in Vori’s brand color to make it easy to locate.
Cashier POS
The large touch display and numpad allow cashiers to navigate the interface quickly, while the wide bottom bar provides space for posting "cheat sheets" as needed.
Objective and impact
Reduced onsite lane installation time by more than 50%
With built-in cable management and assembly features, Vori’s operations team reduced average per-lane installation time from 60 minutes to 30 minutes—a 50% improvement in efficiency.
Increase install and product lifespan by eliminating the use of tape.
The initial POS hardware was assembled using off-the-shelf metal brackets and double-sided taped together and deployed to customer storefronts. We changed that.
Elevated brand impression at no additional cost
We delivered an elevated customer experience and improved operational efficiency—at no additional cost compared to the original deployment COGs. This was made possible by leveraging accessible 3D printing technologies and working with a local Bay Area fabrication shop.
Traditionally, cast components require significant upfront tooling investment and large MOQs—posing substantial risk for early-stage startups. Advances in 3D printing now enable teams to prototype and produce low-volume hardware quickly, accelerating iteration while reducing capital exposure.
Makes low volume production viable
3D printing enables customer ready low volume production. We optimized designs for 3D printing by increasing yield, reducing support-heavy overhangs, and incorporating snap-fit features aligned with layer orientation for greater durability.
Eliminates production cost barrier
Advances in 3D printing have made low-volume production more practical, offering early-stage startups a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective path to develop hardware products.
Shortens lead time to get to market
3D printing allows startups to reach customers faster and more predictably than traditional manufacturing, which requires long lead times for factory setup. With additive manufacturing, speed to market depends mainly on print time and printer availability—enabling scalable, on-demand production.
Makes rapid iteration possible
Makes rapid iteration possible—Traditionally, integrating detailed feedback into hardware development has been costly and slow. Additive manufacturing enables agile, budget-conscious startups to iterate quickly, respond to user input, and strengthen customer engagement.
Craft brand experiences early on
Cost, time, and speed constraints often lead startups to patch together off-the-shelf parts to accelerate development. While effective early on, this approach can compromise brand identity and design cohesion—both as essential as functionality when delivering a compelling product.
Form geometry
Designed for 3D printing with features that enhance perceived quality, reduce yield issues, and extend product lifespan.
Mechanical features
Traditional snap feature geometries are not suitable for 3D printing. We invented a new snap feature geometry that leverages layer orientation and material flexibility to secure hardware within the enclosure. After hundreds of test cycles, the fit remained strong and reliable.
Print orientation
We oriented customer-facing surfaces to print flat on the bed, allowing us to apply front-facing textures while hiding layer lines along the sides.
Color ways
While color options were limited, using colored filaments instead of paint ensured long-lasting, high-quality finishes that hold up in customer-facing environments.
Startups move fast and learn quickly from customers—bringing teams together to build on shared insights was key to designing something that truly works for the people on the ground.
Building a prototype is one thing, putting something into customers hands is another. Getting there required multiple rounds of thoughtful iteration and refinement.
Over 500 units are now in grocery store fronts serving store owners and customers—contributing to Vori's successful Series A raise.
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