A global study conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value reveals that the retail and consumer goods sectors are experiencing a radical shift in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the report titled “Embedding AI in Your Brand’s DNA”, investment in AI outside traditional IT areas is expected to grow by 52% over the next year. This increase reflects a renewed focus on integrating AI as a key driver of business transformation.
AI as a Strategic Pillar in Retail and Consumer Goods
The study, based on a survey of 1,500 executives from global retail and consumer goods companies, shows that organizations are rapidly expanding the use of AI in multiple areas of their businesses. Key findings include:
- Rapid Adoption: 81% of executives and 96% of their teams are already using AI to a moderate or significant extent in their operations. AI usage in advanced cases, such as integrated business planning, is projected to increase by 82% by 2025.
- Talent Transformation: More than 31% of employees will need to learn new AI-related skills in the coming year, and this figure could reach 45% in three years. Applications in customer service, such as personalized responses and automated follow-ups, could grow by 236% in the next 12 months.
- AI Ecosystem Platforms: Investment in platforms that enable data sharing and AI models could rise from the current 52% to 89% in three years, fostering collaboration among technology and business partners.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Governance
Despite the widespread enthusiasm, the report highlights a “governance gap” in AI implementation. Although 87% of executives claim to have clear governance frameworks, fewer than 25% continuously review and manage critical risks such as algorithmic biases, lack of transparency, and security vulnerabilities. This underscores the need to strengthen operational controls to maximize the benefits of AI.
Strategic Investments and Organizational Transformation
Companies are expected to allocate, on average, 3.32% of their annual revenue to AI by 2025. For a billion-dollar company, this translates to an annual investment of $33.2 million. These figures reflect a paradigm shift in business strategy, positioning AI as a fundamental tool for innovation in areas such as:
- Supply Chain: Optimization of logistics processes and cost reduction.
- Marketing: Creation of more personalized and effective campaigns.
- Talent Acquisition: Using AI to identify and retain top talent.
- Customer Service: Significant improvements in consumer experience through automated systems.
The Future of AI in the Retail Sector
The research emphasizes that brands need to evolve toward a model where AI is not only seen as a productivity tool but as a core of business innovation. This requires rethinking traditional governance and training strategies, as well as fostering collaboration among key departments such as finance, technology, and operations.
Collaboration with strategic partners and the use of innovative tools will be essential for integrating AI across all areas of the business, reducing organizational silos and maximizing the impact of this transformative technology.
Conclusion
AI is marking a turning point in the retail and consumer goods sectors, not just as a technology but as a strategic imperative. With significant investment projected and a focus on comprehensive innovation, organizations that embrace these trends will be better positioned to lead in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
Source: IBM