Alice Chambers |
Coles Group in Australia is using Microsoft cloud, artificial intelligence and edge computing capabilities to provide its workforce with real-time data insights, empowering them to deliver personalised shopping experiences.
The retailer already has more than 70 per cent of its data in the cloud and uses tools like Microsoft Power BI and Power Platform to generate insights on store data in real time.
It has also used Microsoft-powered AI models to develop its Intelligent Edge Backbone system, which analyses data across store devices that are connected by the internet of things. This is helping employees to view stock data in real time and make 1.6 billion predictions every day on how any disruptions in the supply chain will impact the customer experience across its 850 stores.
Coles will build on its partnership with Microsoft to develop an AI-as-a-service platform, powered by Azure OpenAI, to generate customer insights for store managers. These will be based on customer feedback surveys and help managers to make decisions about product placement and orders. It will also use Microsoft Power Apps and Copilot agents to provide its team with real-time insights to increase customer satisfaction and drive productivity.
“We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with Coles, a true leader in Australian retail,” said Steven Worrall, managing director at Microsoft Australia. “Together, we’ll leverage Microsoft’s cloud, AI and edge computing capabilities to drive meaningful transformation, helping Coles stay ahead in an ever-evolving, customer-first landscape.”
John Cox, chief technology officer at Coles, said: “We are delighted to refresh our longstanding partnership with Microsoft to drive our strategic priorities and create more value for our customers, team members, suppliers and shareholders.”