This session sheds light on how artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperintelligence are revolutionizing retail analytics and also outlines a future where AI could democratize data insights across organizations.

AI and Hyperintelligence: Unlocking New Possibilities in Retail
Jeff Courcelle, VP, User Experience & Chief Designer at MicroStrategy, opened the discussion with a focus on the transformative impact of AI in retail. "AI and BI analytics are at the cusp of revolutionizing retail," Jeff stated, emphasizing the need to empower decision-making through AI. The conversation highlighted the need for a semantic layer and trusted data to unlock insights and drive immediate action. Eric Mayberry, Senior Director, Enterprise Reporting at Bread Financial shared insights into the role of hyperintelligence in making information accessible. "Hyper intelligence can seamlessly integrate with existing apps, making vital data readily accessible to users," Eric explained, underscoring the practical applications of AI in retail operations.

Strategic AI Integration and Adoption
The dialogue shifted to the strategic deployment of AI technologies. Nena Pidskalny, Director, Supply Chain Strategy & Planning at Federated Co‑operatives Limited illustrated how AI-powered dashboards have streamlined supply chain insights, "AI in dashboards has been a game-changer, allowing us to glean insights more efficiently," Nena remarked. This sentiment was echoed by Michael Relich, Former Executive Vice Chairman & co-CEO at PacSun, who highlighted the significance of customer segmentation and analytics in understanding and engaging with consumers more effectively.

Bread Financial and PacSun: A Closer Look
Eric Mayberry provided concrete examples of how Bread Financial employs AI for backend processing and data analytics, enhancing customer credit applications and management. Similarly, Michael Relich shared anecdotes from PacSun's journey, where AI facilitated better customer segmentation and analytics, significantly impacting marketing strategies and customer engagement.

Federated Co-operatives Limited: Transforming Supply Chain
Nena Pidskalny detailed Federated Co-operatives Limited's use of AI in transforming their supply chain, integrating AI into dashboards for more profound insights across various data sources. This approach has not only streamlined operations but also fostered a culture of innovation within the organization.

Future Directions: AI in Retail
The panelists concurred that the future of AI in retail is bright, with immense potential to enhance decision-making, customer experience, and operational efficiency. They stressed the importance of adopting AI in phases to ensure user adoption and trust. Eric Mayberry suggested, "AI capabilities should be rolled out in phases using a crawl, walk, run approach to get adoption and buy-in." This approach ensures a gradual adaptation to AI technologies, fostering trust and familiarity among users.

Conclusion: Embracing AI for Retail Excellence
The discussion underscored the critical role of AI and hyperintelligence in transforming the retail industry. Through real-world examples from Bread Financial, PacSun, and Federated Co-operatives Limited, the speakers illustrated the practical benefits and challenges of integrating AI into retail operations. As Jeff Courcelle aptly summarized, "AI promises to empower everyone in an organization, enabling faster, more informed decision-making." This discussion serves as a blueprint for other retailers looking to navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption, offering valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead.