Not so long ago, retail consumers were introduced to the concept of self-checkout. Instead of a cashier scanning items and bagging them, you had the freedom to do it yourself. New checkout experiences will soon enhance self-checkout. These are “contactless” systems powered by the latest computer vision and AI technologies. Instacart, in collaboration with Amazon One, are implementing palm-recognition payment technology to over 500 Whole Foods locations across the country. Other retailers are experimenting with…  MORE

We see the claim everywhere these days: Artificial intelligence is taking over. AI will not only change the world, it already has changed the world. Business will never be the same; life will never be the same. So organizations that don’t adopt an AI strategy will soon fall into a deep digital hole. While there’s some hype in that sentiment, there’s also a lot of truth. Yet the AI craze enveloping us can obscure the…  MORE

Leaders across all industries understand the important role that frontline workers play in creating strong brands. Those workers greet customers, conduct transactions, and provide service – acts that inherently affect customer satisfaction and ultimately brand loyalty. But creating happy customers and strong brands isn’t as easy as it was in the past. It’s no longer a matter of simply pointing out where to find an item, ringing up sales on a cash register, and helping…  MORE

Remember the idea of “smart homes?” We surely do. Just a few years ago this concept had its moment in the sun. Devices connected by sensors were increasingly providing more convenience and enjoyment, saving people time by eliminating the mundane tasks of home life. Turn on some music, turn off the lights, change the room temperature – all with a request from your voice, even automatically. Smart technology and smart homes didn’t go away. The…  MORE

As technology consultants, we continually witness how our clients adapt to new tools and solutions. We also observe how they (mainly CIOs and CTOs) have seen their actual roles evolve. These leaders aren’t only making traditional technology decisions about what to purchase and implement. They’re now change agents, collaborating with other executives to ensure cohesive execution of major business initiatives. Without question, today’s technology leaders have a full plate of responsibilities. And this year has…  MORE

By the time you read this article, you will undoubtedly have already learned about ChatGPT. You know how it’s changing accounting, software development, engineering, writing, design, marketing, transportation – name a topic and ChatGPT now plays a major role for enhancing the traditional way of doing things. The artificial intelligence (AI) that drives ChatGPT will also transform telecom enterprises. In a sense, this is another step towards the greater efficiency that telecom leaders have been…  MORE

With rising labors costs and a decrease of available workers, retailers have been scratching their collective heads. How are they going to stay afloat? To answer that question, more brands are turning to automation – specifically, to robots. They have no choice. In 2022, retail companies increased spending on labor costs by nearly 5%. Powerhouse retailers like Target, Costco, and Walmart have been forced to boost hourly wages to retain workers. But retail leaders understand…  MORE

When you hear about the concept of “digital twins”, you might think it refers to a sci-fi film based on a dystopian world a few hundreds years in the future. That sounds interesting – but what’s more fascinating is the actual definition of digital twins: “A digital twin is a virtual model designed to accurately reflect a physical object.” Digital twins are used for simulations, testing, monitoring, and maintenance, and they’ve existed since the early…  MORE