Traditional analytics have been a wonderful fit for the data-driven retail industry for decades. Deeper business insights are now possible thanks to a completely new degree of data processing by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The extraction of anomalies and correlations from hundreds of AI/ML models by data scientists could open up a new world of opportunities for business owners.
According to CB Insights, artificial intelligence firms raised $1.8 billion in 374 deals between 2013 and 2018. These amazing results can be attributed to Amazon, who convinced business executives to reconsider the usage of artificial intelligence in retail stores and e-commerce operations to outperform the competition.
Without the Internet of Things (IoT) and, most significantly, artificial intelligence, none of those insights would be feasible. Businesses now have access to high-level data and information that can be used to improve retail operations and create new business prospects thanks to AI in retail. It’s predicted that over three years, AI in retail will increase sales by $40 billion.
3 Uses of AI in Retail
Since creating predictions is a crucial component of how merchants use technology, many AI applications in this industry fall under machine learning. But as AI develops in robotics, computer vision, and natural language processing, we will likely see more ways businesses utilize it.
Inventory Management
For retailers, keeping an accurate inventory is a huge concern. Being able to keep products in stock without having an excessive amount of inventory, which could result in additional management expenses and markdowns, is essential for every store. Retailers may improve inventory management by fully understanding their stores, customers, and items by linking more aspects of their operations and implementing AI.
For instance, Walmart employs AI technologies to improve the way it manages its inventory. This includes mounting cameras on floor scrubbers to record inventory levels on shelves and transmit the data to a data center powered by AI so the business can make better decisions regarding its inventory. On top of floor scrubbers, the so-called inventory intelligence towers snap over 20 million pictures of the items on the shelves daily.
Smart shelves are used in AI inventory management to immediately detect pricing problems and out-of-stock items. For more current inventories, inventory robots can warn personnel of low stock or missing items. Additionally, checkout systems with computer vision capabilities can immediately reduce product loss. Retailers can manage their stores more effectively, and employees have more time to concentrate on enhancing the customer experience.
Demand Forecasting and Merchandising
Demand forecasting is one of the most often used uses of AI in the retail industry. To manage the supply chain, improve inventory levels, and prevent markdowns, retailers must clearly understand which customers want particular products and where they want them.
Given the importance of demand forecasting, Nike (NKE -0.86%) paid $110 million for the AI start-up Celect in 2019 to help it better anticipate consumer demand in real-time and position its necessary inventory. More businesses will see the value of demand forecasting using AI tools as AI algorithms become more potent. Additionally, more businesses are expected to use AI techniques to comprehend their customer base.
Cashierless Technology
Retailers are experimenting with different methods to process consumers more quickly. The most popular method for automating the checkout process and removing lines is using self-service registers, but Amazon has taken a different approach with its Just Walk Out technology.
With the help of several cameras mounted on the ceiling, this AI-based system monitors what customers take from the shelves and charges them as soon as they leave one of its Amazon Go stores, eliminating the need to stop and pay.
Customers simply walk in, scan an app, leave with the desired goods, and are charged immediately. Eight of Amazon’s Go stores were recently closed, indicating that the technology might not be as successful as planned. However, it uses the tools in its bigger Amazon Fresh supermarkets and Whole Foods subsidiary. It is also licensing the technology, which might create a significant new source of income.
Benefits of AI in retail
Artificial Intelligence has been of great benefit to everyone, ranging from school, hospitals, financial institutions etc. Below we’ll be stating some ways in which AI is beneficial to the retail world.
Improved customer satisfaction
Retailers can give the greatest possible consumer experience with artificial intelligence. Improvements include shorter checkout lines, more individualized discounts, and chatbots that provide round-the-clock customer service.
These technologies make greater consumer happiness and increased brand loyalty possible, but the opportunities don’t stop there. Even checkout-free experiences are being developed by businesses, which means no lines and maximum ease.
Personalization leads to higher sales
You may be surprised that 72% of clients will only interact with customized messaging. So you can deliver more individualized offers and boost sales by studying consumer behavior. Additionally, you can modify recommendations based on what customers have browsed or purchased, when they generally shop, or the specials they’re most likely to take advantage of.
Optimized, data-driven decisions
According to Chatbots Magazine, 44% of CEOs believe that producing insights they can utilize to make data-driven decisions is AI’s most significant value.
For instance, firms can reach the right conclusions and better plan their future course of action by examining data on earlier advertising campaigns, promotions, and client preferences. By doing this, they eliminate speculation and improve campaign efficacy.
Better planning and the avoidance of ill-advised investments are also made possible by data.
Reduced costs
AI may undoubtedly save you money on expenses like marketing and advertising. It accomplishes this by assisting you in focusing on customers who are most likely to purchase your goods or by assisting you in only buying inventory you can sell.
Gartner claims that using AI for price optimization can increase revenue by 1% to 5% and increase customer lifetime value by up to 20%.
Conclusion
Integration of AI in the retail industry has ushered in a new era of the smart store experience. From personalized recommendations that cater to individual preferences to seamless checkout processes that minimize friction, AI is reshaping the way customers interact with brands and products.
As we’ve explored the various facets of AI’s influence on the retail sector , it’s evident that this technology holds immense potential to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive business growth. However, the key lies in striking the right balance between automation and the human touch, ensuring that while AI streamlines processes, it also preserves the unique and irreplaceable aspects of human interaction.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, embracing AI-driven innovations will not only set businesses apart but also redefine the very essence of shopping, transforming it into a more efficient, personalized, and delightful journey for both retailers and customers alike.
