| | AUGUST 20198CIOReviewIN MYOPINIONJust two years ago, our conversations with retail executives centered on a digital-powered future, and the exciting possibilities ahead with machine learning. That future quickly became reality, illustrated by this example of Kiran's recent shopping trip: My wife and I have 2 kids. We were at the park recently when my toddler daughter needed to be changed, and we realized we did not bring diapers. As I held my daughter with one arm, I picked up my phone with the other and said, "Ok Google, can you please find diapers?" My phone announces my daughter's brand and size are in stock at my nearest preferred big box store, about 1000 ft away. This experience was impossible two years ago. Machine learning and automation have made this experience not only possible, but expected, in seconds. Through voice and situational recognition, knowledge of Kiran's preferences and a retailer whose experience delivers instantly, retail is suddenly changed forever. Today's digital shoppers expect more than answers, they expect assistance. Machine learning delivers on those expectations, bringing step-change improvements for faster, more personalized, and more intuitive experiences. Savvy executives are making investment decisions that give them a competitive advantage in this age of assistance: through a clear vision, robust technical infrastructure and relentless execution. Accelerate data-driven decision making e-commerce is rapidly transforming from an opex based to a capex based business. 90% of the worlds' data was created in the WINNING RETAIL TRAFFIC IN A DIGITAL WORLDBy Kiran Mani, Managing Director, Retail & Michelle Schumaker, Head of Retail Industry Development, GoogleMichelle Schumaker
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