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Did You Know RETAIL IS ALL IN WITH AI ?
Your next cashier could be a robot , at least if the findings of Honeywell ’ s latest AI in Retail Survey are accurate . According to the survey , more than 80 % of retailers plan to increase the use of automation and artificial intelligence across operations . Of those , 35 % plan to significantly increase their investment in AI . In new AI-focused research with large U . S . retailers and holiday shoppers , Honeywell 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 , according to a media release announcing the survey results .
“ 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 , in the release “ On their journey toward autonomous operations , retailers are looking for AI and automation solutions that provide actionable data and help to upskill their employees .”
Honeywell ’ s survey reinforced that retailers are using AI to enhance employees ’ skills and improve their on-the-job experience , which could ultimately help fill the more than 580,000 projected U . S . retail job openings this year . Key findings included :
According to the release , more than half of the surveyed retail leaders said that AI improves employee retention , and 52 % believe AI can help employees progress more quickly in their careers , expand their soft skills and continuously provide value to their jobs .
In addition , the findings showed that 60 % of retail executives said that AI tools make the job easier for employees , while 55 % said they increase job satisfaction . This aligns with the retail industry ’ s increasing focus on how employee satisfaction can support the customer experience for their businesses .
AI is also playing an increasingly important role in improving the customer experience for shoppers , both when shopping online and in person . It can provide shoppers with better access to information , speedier transactions as well as an easier way to compare prices , the release states .
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