Plan and prepare for Microsoft Cloud for Retail in 2023 release wave 2

Overview

Microsoft Cloud for Retail is tailored to help retailers use their data to enhance the shopping experience for customers and empower store associates with the tools and insights they need for higher productivity and knowledge. This solution is designed to optimize the supply chain in real-time thanks to its retail-specific data models, APIs, and a robust partner ecosystem crafted for retail-centric applications. A pivotal aspect of successful retail management is maintaining efficient and resilient store operations, and Microsoft Cloud for Retail excels in providing store associates with instant access to data, insights, and tools essential for engaging customers with personalized service and smooth shopping journeys. This access also enables associates to independently handle tasks, boosting productivity during shifts and allowing managers to oversee store operations more effectively.

Microsoft Cloud for Retail is set to enhance its Store Operations Assist and Smart Store Analytics functionalities based on customer feedback. Enhancements in retail workforce management within the Store Operations Assist can aid retailers in boosting efficiency and profitability. Through integration with Microsoft Teams, store associates can enjoy a unified experience to organize their daily tasks, from conducting inventory checks to responding to critical alerts, such as product recalls. Managers can assign educational tasks and confidential responsibilities, like shift scheduling and performance analysis. Moreover, district leaders can utilize AI-driven natural language processing to detect anomalies, decipher patterns, and derive solutions to enhance store performance. The incorporation of AI and machine learning is a key focus, aiming to equip customers with a competitive advantage by offering new insights for a unified and efficient retail experience. Collaborations with partners like AiFi enhance these AI-driven solutions.

Additionally, a continuous emphasis is placed on enhancing the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform for retailers by driving data gravity and enriching it with AI/ML and Generative AI models. These advancements aim to deliver critical insights into customer engagement, marketing, inventory, and supply chain management. Retailers are empowered to integrate these insights with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and other Microsoft applications and take informed actions based on the intelligence provided.

For official product documentation and training for Microsoft Cloud for Retail, see:

o Official Microsoft Cloud for Retail documentation o Get started with Store Operations Assist o Integrate Store Operations Assist with Microsoft Teams

Updates to Microsoft Cloud for Retail 2023 release wave 2

Investment areas

Copilot template for personalized shopping
We’re investing in consumer commerce by enhancing the shopper experience using a copilot template for personalized shopping. This includes more input coming from a retail enterprise, more sophisticated workflows, and an improved scope of the AI model. It can complete the whole transaction without ever leaving the chat experience. The copilot template for personalized shopping learns about who the shopper is from their order history and learns about the items through product reviews. Its recommendations adjust based on which products are in stock.

Retail workforce management
Retail workforce management enables retailers to improve their bottom line by driving the efficiency of store operations. The solution provides store associates access to data and insights regarding their workflow. This gives store associates the tools and insights they need to engage with customers more effectively, offer personalized assistance, and provides a seamless shopping experience. It also offers store associates a self-service tool to maintain productivity during their shifts. Additionally, this solution gives district and store managers the tools to manage store operations effectively.

Shopper and operational analytics
Shopper analytics and operational analytics are two essential components that contribute to the success of the retail business. By collecting and analyzing data, retailers can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior and optimize internal processes to achieve their goals.

Shopper analytics involves the collection and analysis of data related to consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns. By studying customer purchase history, demographics, and other relevant data, retailers can understand their target audience better. These insights help in tailoring marketing strategies, improving sales techniques, and enhancing the overall customer experience. By leveraging shopper analytics, retailers can make data-driven decisions to drive customer satisfaction and increase revenue.

Operational analytics, however, focuses on analyzing data to optimize internal business processes. This includes areas such as supply chain management, inventory management, logistics, and more. By collecting and analyzing operational data, retailers can identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Operational analytics empowers retailers to make informed decisions, enhance productivity, and maximize profitability.

Both shopper and operational analytics are crucial for retailers as they provide a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior and enable efficient internal operations. By leveraging these analytics capabilities, retailers can align their strategies, reduce costs, increase profits, and deliver superior retail experience to their customers.

To learn more about the entire set of capabilities being delivered during this release wave, check out the release plan for Microsoft Cloud for Retail below: