Sainsbury’s, the renowned supermarket chain, has entered into a five-year strategic partnership with Microsoft to harness AI in enhancing both customer and colleague experiences.
This partnership will bolster and accelerate Sainsbury’s Next Level strategy, geared towards achieving more robust shareholder returns.
Combining the retailer’s datasets with Microsoft’s AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities is anticipated to streamline store operations, enhance efficiency for colleagues, and provide customers with more effective service.
Utilizing Microsoft’s generative AI, Sainsbury’s anticipates an interactive online shopping experience, alongside streamlined search processes.
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Store associates will also gain from real-time data and insights, enabling smarter shelf replenishment processes.
Utilizing AI to integrate diverse data inputs like shelf-edge cameras, store associates will be guided to areas requiring restocking.
This not only saves time but also allows colleagues to dedicate more time to customer service.
Microsoft Azure will underpin all these advancements within Sainsbury’s cloud ecosystem.
Clodagh Moriarty, Sainsbury’s Chief Retail and Technology Officer, stated, “Partnering with Microsoft will expedite our goal of becoming the UK’s premier AI-enabled grocer.”
“This collaboration stands as one of the crucial avenues through which we’re investing in transforming our capabilities over the course of the next 3 years, allowing us to make major advances in productivity and efficiency, maintain our commitment to exemplary customer service, and generate returns for our shareholders.”
In March, Sainsbury’s unveiled plans to streamline its operations, leading to an estimated reduction of 1,500 jobs.
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