Auchan retail, AI and data at the heart of the relaunch

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Auchan Retail is one of the European benchmarks in France and internationally in supermarkets and hypermarkets. It is embarking on an unprecedented digital transition at the heart of its stores in Portugal to bring innovation in store tracking and management. In partnership with the Singaporean group Trax, Auchan Retail seems determined to take a step forward in artificial intelligence. COVID-19 has not improved the financial situation of these large groups, which are now trying to find levers for recovery. An expected relaunch, thanks to digital, under the sign of the human.

Auchan Retail, a recovery expected thanks to technological progress

In Portugal, Auchan Retail has decided to partner with Trax to lead its digital transition with artificial intelligence. This includes installing autonomous solutions that monitor the rays, but also the commissioning of autonomous robots. These investments have several objectives: to manage the different stores smoothly, first of all. With the installation of these technologies, Auchan Retail will be able to extract valuable data from them. Consumption habits depending on the state of the shelving during the day, or the impact of shelf placement, among others. This is information that then allows teams to think about new solutions to optimize their stores. Thus, it is a goal of profitability, fluidity, but also productivity. While a robot takes stock from the shelves, the employee who took care of it can advise a client, and focus on the human.

In Bordeaux, specifically in Pessac, another major in the sector has chosen to invest in AI: Giant Casino. This hypermarket has indeed acquired an intelligent robot, Simbe. It is able to detect out-of-stock products by wandering freely through the shelves. The Pessacaise brand is also open to experimentation in its 14,000 square metre store. Thus, it turns to technology through 4 of its main poles: traceability, home delivery, in-store sourcing and drive. Everything is designed for the sake of optimization and productivity. Recurring tasks are automated, and optimize the supply chain. The error rate is greatly reduced, to allow for tenfold efficiency. As a direct result, this improves customer service, with teammates ready to help them. Improve logistics management, a challenge, a goal.

Bordeaux, a cradle of innovation driven by mass distribution

With the development of new technologies and innovative companies present in its territory, Bordeaux is an undeniable reference. E-commerce players are helping to boost the implementation of innovative solutions in the logistics sector. In large warehouses,teams have a strong interest in optimizing their processes to save time and productivity. For example, storage warehouses choose to equip themselves with software to optimize their operation, limit travel, and accurately list all products and their locations. A very useful solution for the major retailers, which have large reserves (3000 m2 for the Giant Casino of Pessac). With the support of innovations and new technologies, these players can thus start a relaunch of their activity thanks to technology. An expected revival, after the episode COVID-19.

Innovation is the focus of attention, improving physical activities and recurrent tasks. Thanks to new technologies, companies are developing and can reorganize their time, optimize it. This allows us to provide better customer service, while betting on the future. There is no doubt that Bordeaux will see more and more artificial intelligence in the shops they frequent. For companies, it is a formidable ally, analyzing and creating useful databases for the business. Product investments, marketing strategy, inventory management, analysis of buying paths and behaviours… Innovation and artificial intelligence are no longer fictional elements, but reality.

Sources:

LSA Conso – March 13, 2019 – Inauguration of Giant Pessac, the lab dedicated to store logistics

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