Transforming Retail Decision-Making Through AI Innovations at AI Data's Forum

On November 20, AI Data Corporation, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, hosted a significant forum titled "AI Agents × AX Forum - Retail," focusing on the integration of AI into the retail industry and the promotion of digital transformation (DX). The event aimed to address the unique challenges faced by the retail sector, particularly the barriers of knowledge dependence, data fragmentation, and the absence of optimal solutions.

Session 1: "The New Era of DX Supported by AI: Creating Retail Innovations through Data and Wisdom"

Provided by Takahito Sasaki, CEO of AOS Group

In the first session, Sasaki emphasized that true DX in the retail sector transcends mere technology implementation; it necessitates linking frontline wisdom with data. He pointed out that traditional systems for managing factors like POS, inventory, and promotions often lead to decision-making based on individual expertise, hindering overall optimization. By integrating these data streams, AI can visually represent real-time information concerning stores, logistics, and management, thus supporting frontline decision-making. As a practical example, he introduced the specialized retail platform "AI RetailBooster on IDX," outlining a roadmap for fostering an organization where data-driven decision-making is accessible to everyone. This collaborative effort with AI that moves beyond personal knowledge signals a path toward achieving frontline DX.

Session 2: "Just Start Doing It"

Presented by Takuto Hayashi, Executive Director of the Retail AI Association

In this session, Hayashi shared crucial insights regarding the mindset necessary for AI adoption in the retail industry. He stressed the importance of taking the first step rather than waiting for a perfect solution. While the potential of AI and data utilization is frequently discussed, numerous practical barriers and doubts persist at the ground level. Hayashi advocated not to wait for the ideal AI tool but to repeatedly conduct small experiments to tackle current business challenges, learning from both successes and failures. His experiences with "gritty DX" and the approaches each company should undertake conveyed a central message to participants: engaging in action is the first step toward DX success.

Session 3: "From Personal Sales to 'Data-Driven Selling Points' – Transforming Retail Decisions with AI"

Explained by Daisuke Shida, CTO of AI Data Corporation

Shida elaborated on how AI can integrate numerous types of data—such as customer behavior, inventory, weather, and market area—to revolutionize retail decision-making. Traditionally, store operations depended heavily on the sales staff's instinct and experience. Through the data and AI integration platform called "AI RetailBooster on IDX," this process transforms into a systematic enhancement of organizational knowledge. He described methods utilizing generative AI to unify and analyze data across various sources, presenting practical examples of local initiatives that yielded substantial results. The discussions highlighted how AI could facilitate data-driven decision-making, leading to a shift from optimizing individual store or staff performance to enhancing overall corporate efficiency.

Session 4: "The Future of Logistics Unlocked by Next-Generation Cold Chain"

Presented by Daigo Goto, CEO of Cold Storage Japan Co., Ltd.

In his session, Goto addressed the challenges of cold storage logistics while introducing concepts surrounding next-generation cold chains. He pointed out that existing cold chain systems are often inflexible and fail to adapt to the complexities associated with fluctuating demand and temperature management. Goto proposed a solution using their self-developed small cold storage units aimed at establishing a decentralized cold chain system to improve logistics efficiency. He explained that this method could help address structural issues, including the logistical challenges posed by the 2024 logistics crisis, enhancing operational efficiency at the ground level. Emphasizing a dual perspective of retail and logistics, Goto underscored the importance of real-time responsiveness to temperature and demand fluctuations as well as optimizing routing through distributed equipment, painting a visionary picture for the future of logistics.

About AI Data Corporation

Founded in April 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, AI Data Corp, led by CEO Takahito Sasaki, specializes in utilizing corporate data for effective management and security. With over 9,000 enterprises and more than 900,000 customers placing their trust in their services, AI Data has secured a position in the market. Their comprehensive data ecosystem business, which includes data sharing, backup, recovery, migration, and elimination, has been honored with the top sales performance continuously for 16 years at the BCN Awards. The company not only excels in their cloud data management but also provides forensic investigations awarded by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, supported further with next-generation platforms that marry data management and intellectual property (IP) with AI technologies.