Retailers turn to AI to address pain points

RETAILERS are now planning to increase use of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) across their operations so as to adapt to changing consumer behaviour and also to enhance employee skills and improve efficiency for shoppers.

- UMA KANNAN @Bengaluru

Honeywell in its AI in Retail Survey findings found that retailers are increasingly investing in AI to address the biggest pain points they face in today's fast-paced, omni-channel climate, including improved return management, automating customer service and monitoring product availability.

"We are truly in the midst of a new era for the retail sector where evolving AI capabilities will make a positive impact on the shopper's journey, the employee experience and the retailer's supply chain operation," said David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services. "On their journey toward autonomous operations, retailers are looking for AI and automation solutions that provide actionable data and help to upskill their employees," he added.