AI Archives - Compucom https://www.compucom.com/tag/ai/ Technology Driven. People Powered. Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:15:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.compucom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-compucom-ico-32x32.png AI Archives - Compucom https://www.compucom.com/tag/ai/ 32 32 Adapting to 2024 Consumer Trends with Innovative Retail Technology https://www.compucom.com/adapting-to-2024-consumer-trends-with-innovative-retail-technology/ Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:15:43 +0000 https://www.compucom.com/?p=7252 Compucom-blog-Adapting-to-2024-Consumer-Trends-with-Innovative-Retail-TechnologyIn an era where consumer behaviors are increasingly complex and paradoxical, staying attuned to trends can be challenging. However, doing so pays off, as using the latest trends and technological advancements to inform your strategic planning gives you an edge. Advanced IT solutions can help retailers understand and adapt to changing consumer behaviors and build a competitive advantage.

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<Emma Mak, Staff Writer

Emma Mak • Staff Writer

In a rapidly evolving global market, consumer trends are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted. Retail IT leaders face the pressing challenge of staying ahead of these trends to maintain a competitive edge.

This article explores how technology can help retail businesses understand and respond to shifting consumer behaviors, drawing on insights from McKinsey’s comprehensive analysis of trends.

Understanding the Current State of the Consumer

According to McKinsey’s State of the Consumer 2024 report, a survey of over 15,000 consumers in 18 markets comprising 90% of global GDP,  “consumers have continued to defy expectations and behave in atypical ways, keeping consumer goods manufacturers and retailers on their toes.” The report identifies several trends within the global consumer landscape:

  • Middle-Income Consumers: Despite concerns about inflation, middle-income consumers in Europe and the United States continue to splurge on discretionary items.
  • Aging Consumers: Older generations are willing to spend on experiential categories, like travel and home improvement.
  • Declining Brand Loyalty: Consumers worldwide are increasingly open to exploring new brands and products, driven by economic uncertainty and inflation.
  • Sustainability Trade-Offs: While young consumers still value sustainability, they are less willing to pay a premium for sustainable products in the face of economic challenges.
  • Wellness Boom: There is a growing interest in health and wellness products, particularly in emerging markets. There is growing investment in women’s wellness, especially in younger generations such as Gen Z.
  • Secondary Cities: In both advanced and emerging markets, consumers are moving away from the big cities to seek a better quality of life.
  • Social Commerce: Social media and content creation platforms are becoming vital channels for consumer interactions and purchases.

Leveraging Technology to Adapt to Consumer Trends

To keep pace with and understand these evolving consumer behaviors, retail IT leaders should harness the power of advanced technology. Here are key ways technology can help:

1. Advanced Data Analytics

Understanding consumer behavior helps retail businesses make informed decisions. Advanced data analytics can help retailers collect and analyze large volumes of data to discover valuable insights. For instance:

  • Customer Segmentation: Use data to identify and understand different customer segments, enabling targeted marketing and personalized experiences for high-potential groups.
  • Predictive Analytics: Forecast future trends and consumer demands, enabling better inventory management and supply chain optimization.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning technologies offer powerful tools for enhancing various aspects of retail operations:

  • Personalization: AI can analyze consumer data to deliver personalized recommendations and offers, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: These tools can handle customer inquiries, provide product recommendations, and assist with transactions, enhancing the customer experience.
  • Demand Forecasting: AI algorithms can predict demand patterns, helping retailers optimize inventory levels.
3. Omnichannel Integration

Consumers expect seamless experiences across multiple channels. Retailers must integrate their online and offline operations to provide a unified shopping experience:

  • Unified Commerce Platforms: Implement platforms that connect inventory, orders, and customer data across all channels.
  • Click-and-Collect Services: Allow customers to order online and pick up their purchases in-store, combining the convenience of e-commerce with the immediacy of physical retail.
4. Enhanced Customer Engagement

Building strong customer relationships is key to retaining loyalty in an era of declining brand allegiance. Technology can help:

  • Loyalty Programs: Implement digital loyalty programs that reward repeat customers and encourage brand engagement.
  • Social Media Integration: Leverage social media platforms to engage consumers, run targeted campaigns, and collect feedback.
5. Sustainable Practices

Sustainability remains a priority for many consumers. Retailers can use technology to enhance their sustainability efforts:

  • Energy Management: Implement IoT devices to monitor and reduce energy consumption in stores and warehouses.
  • Supply Chain Transparency: Use blockchain technology to trace the origin of products and ensure ethical sourcing.

Partner with Compucom as Part of Your Retail Strategy

In an era where consumer behaviors are increasingly complex and paradoxical, staying attuned to trends can be challenging. However, doing so pays off, as using the latest trends and technological advancements to inform your strategic planning gives you an edge.

Advanced IT solutions can help retailers understand and adapt to changing consumer behaviors and build a competitive advantage. Look for technology solutions that will help you deliver personalized, seamless, and sustainable shopping experiences that resonate with today’s discerning consumers.

Ready to take your retail strategy to the next level? Compucom ensures your IT operations and infrastructure are ready for the latest retail technological advancements. Talk with our experts today.

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Transforming the Enterprise with Generative AI Chatbots https://www.compucom.com/transforming-the-enterprise-with-generative-ai-chatbots/ Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:05:53 +0000 https://www.compucom.com/?p=7103 Transforming-the-Enterprise-with-Generative-AI-ChatbotsThe potential applications of Generative AI chatbots are vast and continuously expanding. From human resources to supply chain management, these chatbots can revolutionize various business functions, driving innovation and efficiency.

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<David Krauthamer, Staff Writer

David Krauthamer • Staff Writer

Among the AI innovations making waves, generative AI chatbots stand out for their potential to revolutionize business operations. Unlike traditional rule-based bots, Generative AI chatbots can understand context, learn from interactions, and provide more human-like responses.

Enterprise organizations are increasingly adopting Generative AI chatbots to streamline operations, provide support for their workforce, enhance customer service, and improve overall productivity.

These chatbots can handle a variety of tasks, from answering FAQs to providing personalized support, making them invaluable in today’s fast-paced business environment.

According to Gartner, conversational AI will reduce contact center agent labor costs by $80 billion by 2026, while Salesforce’s generative AI assistant demonstrates the growing trend of automating complex customer interactions – highlighting the significant impact Generative AI can have on enterprise efficiency and cost savings.

If you’re an enterprise IT leader, understanding how to leverage these powerful tools can elevate your digital transformation strategy.

Let’s explore some of the benefits, challenges, and best practices for deploying Generative AI chatbots to enhance both the Digital Employee Experience (DEX) and Customer Experience (CX).

Enhancing DEX and CX with Generative AI

One of the most significant applications of generative AI chatbots is to enhance digital experience for employees and customers. These chatbots can handle a high volume of inquiries and offer users the following benefits:

  • Instant Response and 24/7 Availability: Addressing queries promptly, even outside of regular business hours, reduces wait times and enhances user satisfaction.
  • Personalized User Interactions: Generative AI chatbots excel at personalizing interactions based on user data. By analyzing previous conversations and user behavior, these chatbots can tailor responses to meet individual needs, creating a more engaging and satisfying experience.
  • Handling Complex Queries: Unlike traditional bots, Generative AI chatbots can handle complex and nuanced queries. They use advanced language models to understand context and provide accurate, relevant responses, thereby improving the quality of support.

Boosting Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is a critical concern for enterprises, and generative AI chatbots offer a solution to common problem areas that often affect efficiency and productivity, including:

  • Automating Routine Tasks: Generative AI chatbots can automate various routine tasks, freeing up human resources for higher-value activities. For example, they can handle appointment scheduling, order processing, and basic troubleshooting, significantly reducing employees’ workloads.
  • Streamlining Workflows: By integrating with enterprise systems such as CRM and ERP, Generative AI chatbots can streamline workflows and ensure seamless information flow across departments. This integration enhances overall operational efficiency and reduces the chances of human error.
  • Real-Time Data Analysis: These chatbots can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, providing valuable insights into user behavior and operational performance. Businesses can use this data to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and continuously improve services.
  • Cost Savings and Scalability: Generative AI chatbots offer considerable cost-saving benefits, making them an attractive option for enterprises looking to optimize their budgets. They can easily scale to meet increased demand without the need for additional staffing, ensuring that enterprises can maintain high service levels even during peak periods.

Overcoming Challenges in AI Chatbot Integration

Deployment of AI chatbots comes with a set of challenges that must be carefully addressed to harness their full potential, such as:

  • Ensuring Data Security and Privacy: One of the primary concerns with deploying AI chatbots is data security. Enterprises must implement robust security measures, such as encryption and role-based access controls, to protect sensitive customer and employee information.
  • Maintaining a Human Touch: While AI chatbots can handle many tasks autonomously, they may lack the empathy and judgment required for certain interactions. Striking a balance between automation and human touch is essential to ensuring a positive customer and employee experience.
  • Addressing Misaligned Responses: Generative AI chatbots are not infallible and can sometimes generate incorrect or inappropriate responses. Continuous monitoring and refinement of chatbot algorithms are necessary to maintain accuracy and reliability.

Best Practices for Implementing AI Chatbots

Organizations must adopt a proactive approach to the development and management of AI chatbots, including best practices such as:

  • Comprehensive Training and Development: Ensuring that AI chatbots are well-trained is critical for their success. This involves feeding the chatbot with extensive data sets covering a wide range of scenarios and implementing continuous learning mechanisms to refine its performance over time.
  • Active Monitoring and Human Oversight: Regular monitoring of chatbot interactions helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that errors are promptly addressed. Implementing strict permissions and active monitoring protocols can build trust and reduce risks.
  • Continuous Improvement Strategies: The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, making continuous improvement a necessity. Enterprises should establish a feedback loop where data from chatbot interactions is used to refine and enhance the chatbot’s capabilities. This iterative process ensures that the chatbot remains relevant and effective in meeting business needs.

The Future of Generative AI in the Enterprise

The potential applications of Generative AI chatbots are vast and continuously expanding. From human resources to supply chain management, these chatbots can revolutionize various business functions, driving innovation and efficiency.

The integration of Generative AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) opens up new possibilities for automation and data analysis. Enterprises can leverage this to create smarter, more responsive systems that enhance both DEX and CX.

By implementing comprehensive training, active monitoring, and continuous improvement strategies, enterprises can effectively harness the power of generative AI chatbots to transform their operations and gain a competitive edge – elevating their digital transformation strategies and driving business success.

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Essential Summer Reads for Technology Leaders https://www.compucom.com/essential-summer-reads-for-technology-leaders/ Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:00:19 +0000 https://www.compucom.com/?p=7061 Compucom blog Essential Summer Reads for Technology LeadersSummer is the perfect time to relax and recharge, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to invest in your professional and personal development. Whether you're a CIO, CTO, or an IT enthusiast, we've curated the ultimate reading list to keep you informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve. Here are our top recommendations for summer reads.

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<David Krauthamer, Staff Writer

David Krauthamer • Staff Writer

Summer is the perfect time to relax and recharge, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to invest in your professional and personal development. Whether you’re a CIO, CTO, or an IT enthusiast, we’ve curated the ultimate reading list to keep you informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve. Here are our top recommendations for summer reads: 

Top 5 Must-Reads for CIOs 

“Digital Transformation” by Thomas M. Siebel 

Thomas Siebel explores the disruptions caused by AI, cloud computing, big data, and IoT, offering insights on how CIOs can leverage these technologies to drive digital transformation within their organizations. 

“The Phoenix Project” by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford 

A novel about IT management, this book illustrates how to apply DevOps principles to improve IT operations and achieve business goals. This is a must-read for any CIO aiming to align IT with broader business objectives. 

“Measure What Matters” by John Doerr 

This book introduces the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and how they can drive innovation. Doerr provides real-world examples from companies like Google and Intel, making it highly relevant for CIOs. 

“Team of Teams” by General Stanley McChrystal 

McChrystal compellingly argues why adaptability and decentralized decision-making are crucial in today’s complex business environment, providing practical advice for CIOs managing large teams. 

“IT Business Partnerships” by Joseph Topinka 

Focused on building a value-driven IT organization, this book lays out strategies for CIOs to forge effective partnerships within their businesses, ensuring IT initiatives align with company goals. 

Essential Summer Picks for CTOs 

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries 

Ries offers a framework for innovation and entrepreneurship within businesses. This book is invaluable for CTOs looking to foster a culture of continuous improvement and rapid prototyping. 

“High Output Management” by Andrew S. Grove 

Written by the former CEO of Intel, this classic book provides actionable insights on managing and scaling engineering teams, making it a must-read for CTOs. 

“The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen 

Christensen’s groundbreaking work on disruptive innovation offers critical lessons for CTOs looking to lead their organizations through technological changes and maintain a competitive edge. 

“Lean Enterprise” by Jez Humble, Joanne Molesky, and Barry O’Reilly 

This book dives into lean principles and practices tailored to large enterprises. It’s essential for CTOs focused on driving efficiency and innovation at scale. 

“The Pragmatic Programmer” by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas 

A timeless guide that covers practical tips for software development, this book is ideal for CTOs who want to ensure their teams are both productive and innovative. 

Engaging Reads for IT Workers

“Hacking Growth” by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown 

Learn how to implement growth hacking techniques to drive user acquisition and retention, a valuable read for IT workers involved in product development and marketing. 

“Cybersecurity and Cyberwar” by P.W. Singer and Allan Friedman 

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current cybersecurity landscape and its implications, making it a crucial read for IT professionals focused on security. 

“Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans” by Melanie Mitchell 

Mitchell demystifies AI, explaining its capabilities and limitations. It’s an engaging read for IT workers interested in understanding AI and its future applications. 

“Automate This” by Christopher Steiner 

Explore how algorithms are taking over various industries and what this means for the future of work. It’s a fascinating read for IT workers curious about automation. 

“Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin 

A go-to manual for writing clean, maintainable code, this book is essential for IT workers aiming to improve their coding practices and software quality. 

5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Reading List 

  1. Create a Reading Routine. Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. Whether it’s during your morning coffee or before bed, consistency is key to making progress. 
  1. Join a Book Club or Discussion Group. Engage with others who share your interests. Discussing books can deepen your understanding and provide new perspectives. 
  1. Take Notes and Apply Learnings. Keep a journal of key takeaways and actionable insights. Apply these learnings to your professional life to see real benefits. 
  1. Mix Genres and Formats. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of book or format. Mix it up with audiobooks, e-books, and physical copies to keep things interesting. 
  1. Set Achievable Goals. Set realistic reading goals to stay motivated. Whether it’s one book a month or a chapter a day, having a goal helps keep you on track. 

Conclusion

Summer is the perfect time to expand your horizons through reading. Whether you’re a CIO, CTO, or IT worker, these books and the knowledge they contain will help you stay ahead in your profession while also providing some much-needed relaxation. 

Remember to share what you learn with your leadership, colleagues, business partners, and teams. Plus, books make the ultimate gift. Happy reading! 

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HPE Discover 2024 Showcased Cutting-Edge AI Innovations https://www.compucom.com/hpe-discover-2024-showcased-cutting-edge-ai-innovations/ Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:29:48 +0000 https://www.compucom.com/?p=6924 HPE Discover 2024 Showcased Cutting-Edge AI InnovationThis year’s HPE Discover showcased cutting-edge AI innovations, highlighting how HPE solutions enable effective AI integration across various business functions.

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Lesley Andrews, Vice President, Partner Alliances

Lesley Andrews • Vice President, Partner Alliances

I was privileged to attend the HPE Discover 2024 Conference the week of June 17th alongside a fantastic group of Compucom customers. This year’s event focused on how Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) solutions enable effective AI integration across various business functions. HPE CEO Antonio Neri delivered a compelling keynote speech with the backdrop of the 4D experience of the Las Vegas Sphere. His speech emphasized AI ethics and technology’s transformative power in navigating the future.

The conference wasn’t all work and no play. Neri enthusiastically encouraged us to explore the demos, including a chatbot designed to emulate his persona, “Antonio Nearly.” It was fascinating to see the simulated in-depth conversations with the HPE CEO about the company’s strategic thinking and technological advancements. This was just one of the novel and impactful ways HPE showcased how they drive digital transformation across industries. The following are some further highlights from the conference.

HPE Partnership with NVIDIA

One of the most significant announcements was the strategic partnership between HPE and NVIDIA. This collaboration aims to combine HPE’s expertise in enterprise IT solutions with NVIDIA’s leading advancements in AI. The partnership will give businesses powerful tools to leverage AI for unprecedented performance improvements and smarter decision-making.

Generative AI and accelerated computing are fueling a fundamental transformation as every industry races to join the industrial revolution.

Jensen Huang, NVIDIA CEO

HPE Private Cloud AI

Another exciting announcement was the introduction of HPE Private Cloud AI, a new solution designed to bring the agility and scalability of the cloud to private environments, focusing on AI applications. The HPE Private Cloud AI offering promises to combine the benefits of cloud computing with the control and security of private infrastructure, transforming the way businesses approach AI and cloud computing.

AI-Powered Customer Service Solutions

Revolutionary progress is happening in customer service through sophisticated AI-driven tools that enhance customer interactions and streamline support processes. HPE’s AI solutions predict customer needs, personalize interactions, and resolve issues faster, improving satisfaction and retention. Key demonstrations included:

  • Intelligent Chatbots: Advanced chatbots capable of handling a wide range of customer inquiries with human-like efficiency and accuracy using natural language processing (NLP).
  • Predictive Customer Insights: Predictive analytics systems forecast customer needs, preferences, and behaviors, enabling proactive and personalized interactions.
  • Automated Workflow Management: AI-driven tools automate routine tasks such as ticket routing and case resolutions, reducing response times and allowing human agents to focus on complex issues.
  • Voice Recognition and Assistance: Advanced voice recognition transcribes and analyzes customer calls, while AI-powered assistants provide real-time information and suggestions during calls.
  • Sentiment Analysis: Sentiment analysis tools gauge customer emotions in real time, allowing businesses to tailor responses and address dissatisfaction promptly.

Enhanced Data Management and Analysis Capabilities

Data is the new gold, and HPE’s AI solutions are designed to refine this gold for businesses. Critical developments in data management and data capabilities included: 

  • Advanced Data Analytics: Advanced data analysis tools provide actionable insights through real-time analytics and predictive modeling, enabling data-driven decision-making. 
  • Data Storage Innovations: Featuring high-performance storage systems optimized for capacity and speed to meet big data and AI workload demands. 
  • Unified Data Platform: Integrates data from various sources into a single system, providing a centralized repository for data storage, analysis, and retrieval, simplifying management and improving governance. 
  • Edge-to-Cloud Data Solutions: Ensures seamless data flow from edge devices to the cloud for real-time insights. 
  • Data Security Enhancements: Robust security, including advanced encryption, secure access controls, and comprehensive monitoring tools to detect and mitigate potential threats. 

HPE, A Leader in Innovation and a Valued Compucom Partner

It’s been a busy few months for HPE, with the unveiling of new Aruba Wi-Fi 7 access points to boost enterprise IoT capabilities at the edge and new features for the HPE GreenLake platform. At the conference, Neri emphasized HPE’s commitment to modern enterprise needs, highlighting AI, hybrid cloud strategies, and edge computing as key to new levels of agility and efficiency. He also underscored HPE’s dedication to sustainability and cybersecurity, with initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and bolster data security frameworks.

As a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Gold Partner, we have extensive experience working with organizations to implement HPE solutions that accelerate digital transformation. Our team of HPE technical architect experts can help you harness the power of AI with HPE’s latest solutions for your enterprise.

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Exciting Times in Healthcare: Digital Innovation Takes Center Stage at HIMSS and ViVE 2024 https://www.compucom.com/digital-innovation-takes-center-stage-at-himss-and-vive-2024/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:47:00 +0000 https://www.compucom.com/?p=5319 composition photo of technology in healthcareAt the beginning of each year, we attend two important healthcare conferences, ViVE and HIMSS. These lively events allow us to come together with a dedicated community of healthcare thought leaders, connect with our existing and future customers, and learn what healthcare providers are prioritizing for the upcoming year.

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Nancy Outcalt, Sr. Account Executive

Nancy Outcalt • Sr. Account Executive

At the beginning of each year, we attend two important healthcare conferences, ViVE and HIMSS. These lively events allow us to come together with a dedicated community of healthcare thought leaders, connect with our existing and future customers, and learn what healthcare providers are prioritizing for the upcoming year.

As I reflect on the many interesting speakers, exhibits, and discussions from ViVE and HIMSS, my main takeaway was the three main goals healthcare providers are focused on for 2024:

  • Realizing the full benefits of AI to revolutionize healthcare
  • Enhancing the digital user experience for clinicians and patients
  • Enabling remote patient care 

Realizing the Full Benefits of AI to Revolutionize Healthcare  

Both ViVE and HIMSS spotlighted AI’s transformative potential in healthcare. The future holds promising advancements in improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency. From aiding personalized treatment and revolutionizing cancer treatment and surgical procedures to more practical applications such as transforming healthcare payment systems, the term AI was on everyone’s lips.

Enhancing the Digital User Experience for Healthcare Staff and Patients

Ongoing workforce shortages and staff burnout were addressed at both ViVE and HIMSS. With ViVE 2024 making nursing leaders a focal point. Interactions with technology shouldn’t add to the burden healthcare workers face. When staff have reliable tablets, smartphones, and laptops, can stay connected to an optimized network, and have technical support when they need it, they have more time to focus on what matters – their patients.

Compucom’s XM collects useful user experience data, such as endpoint telemetry, service and support metrics, event sensors, targeted surveys, and user sentiment analysis. We generate performance indicators from the data, which are then analyzed against our four dimensions of a successful digital workplace: making sure workers are technology-enabled, self-sufficient, well-supported, and have workplace flexibility. We then measure and improve our services against these dimensions.

Technology failures exacerbate workplace stress. Having XM to monitor digital employee experiences can identify pain points before they become an issue for healthcare staff, lowering stress levels.  

Enabling Remote Patient Care

Ensuring people in remote regions receive the same quality of clinical services as those in urban areas is why there was a big focus on enabling remote patient care at the conferences.  

Now that 5G has rolled out, it is starting to revolutionize remote patient care. Telemedicine has faced limitations due to slow internet connections. 5G’s capabilities allow for improved communication between clinicians and patients with smoother video calls. Remote patient monitoring opens the potential for doctors to access real-time data from monitoring equipment (such as heart monitors) from patients in their homes.  

We were excited to discuss our recent strategic partnership with T-Mobile for Business Advanced Network Industry Solutions with attendees at the conferences. As healthcare tech leaders investigate 5G private networks to prepare for the future of healthcare, device readiness is a major consideration, and our technology sourcing and device services can help.  

Exciting Times for Healthcare

I enjoyed connecting with healthcare IT leaders attending HIMSS and ViVE this year — it was clear that innovation is alive and thriving in healthcare. We are seeing some amazing technological advances that will dramatically improve healthcare access equality and patient outcomes. Advancements that could only be dreamed of are finally coming to fruition. At Compucom, we look forward to partnering with healthcare providers to enable this new reality. 

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NRF 2024: The Future Looks Bright and 3 Other Takeaways from Retail’s Biggest Show https://www.compucom.com/nrf-2024-the-future-looks-bright/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:13:00 +0000 https://www.compucom.com/?p=5093 Hand on touch screen with word retailThe days were brisk for NRF 2024, the National Retail Federation's annual convention. However, the 40,000 attendees in New York City were warmed by sunny news: the holiday season was a success, with reported sales growth of 3 to 4%, and the outlook for 2024 is positive.

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Troy Baldwin, Director, Offering Management

Troy Baldwin • Director, Offering Management

During the three-day show, our Compucom events team met with our customers, partners, and other retailers, took in the Big Ideas sessions, and interacted with some of the latest retail innovations, such as the bitHuman digital helpers, an interactive AI platform tasked with answering questions for attendees about navigating the event.

Here are our three main takeaways from NRF 2024.  

Constant Innovation for the Win

While retailers often realize that investment in innovation must be ongoing, knowing where to place your bets can be hard.

In our one-day spot survey asking attendees their primary concern for the technology aspect of their business, the largest number (40%) selected “Navigating technological trends to get digital transformation right”.

This is where having an experienced retail technology partner can help. Combining their expertise with your knowledge of your customers provides the best guidance for where to put your innovation efforts — because it’s not always the commonly advised path forward that will work best for your company.

Customers’ Expectations Have Risen Sky-High

A common theme was talk of the high expectations of consumers and the need for retailers to be highly customer-centric. This was reflected in our poll, with 22% selecting “elevating the customer experience by sourcing, optimizing, and supporting technology that helps you focus on the customer” as their main concern.

Innovations from a few of our longstanding OEM partners focused on this need:

  • Microsoft had a prominent booth showcasing the value of AI for unlocking, among other things, new shopping experiences and store associates’ potential by using generative and conversational AI to build meaningful in-store and online experiences (phygital experiences).
  • Intel showcased RealSense, a technology that gives devices depth perception capabilities and is transforming retail applications by creating better customer experiences. 
  • Lenovo showed off their AI-powered end-to-end retail solutions designed to enhance safety, security, and intelligence for retailers and shoppers across various categories, including Smart Promotion, Smart Shelf, and Smart Checkout.

“AI” was the Buzzword on Everyone’s Lips

AI has been a buzzword in many industries for a while now. At NRF 2024, it was clear that AI is not just a trend but a game-changing tool for retailers. Most exhibitors focused on its ability to analyze customer behavior, predict trends, manage inventory, and provide personalized experiences, but as we discussed with attendees, AI can also help retailers:

  • Solve networking challenges and operational inefficiencies through AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations).
  • Improve the digital employee experience for their sales associates by providing insights on how your IT team can improve users’ interactions with digital touchpoints.

Implementing AI is not a simple task. MSPs can provide the necessary expertise and resources to implement AI solutions, allowing retailers to reap the benefits without having to build their own teams.

Another Great NRF Show Under Our Belt

Compucom’s team enjoyed seeing the excitement around retail innovation at this year’s big show. We know helping our customers innovate with the right technology is crucial for driving their success. Contact us today to learn how to advance your retail workplace with the right managed service provider.

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