AI needs to be more than just a bright, shiny object – RetailWire

Artificial Intelligence has great promise to help retailers be more nimble and respond to customer/consumer needs. However, a retailer must step back and have the foundational data pieces in place before trying to implement any AI solutions. I mean foundational pieces such as clean POS data, clean loyalty data and adequate IT systems to allow AI to deliver against its promises. A retailer needs deep pockets to set up their own AI shop with the expertise to manage AI on their payroll. Most retailers will look to the outside for help and a retailer needs to find an outside solution provider that is strategically interested in helping the retailer get their foundational data right FIRST before implementing any AI solution.