Sainsbury’s plc and Microsoft Corp. today announced a new five-year strategic partnership, Microsoft’s synthetic intelligence and device learning features, as well as Sainsbury’s rich datasets, to help drive the retailer’s recently announced Next Level Sainsbury’s strategy.
The partnership will improve operations, generate greater power for colleagues and provide consumers with a more effective and effective service, delivering higher returns to shareholders as part of Sainsbury’s ‘Save and Invest to Win’ programme.
By leveraging Microsoft’s specialist engineering capabilities, Sainsbury’s will put the power of AI in the hands of its colleagues in stores and make grocery shopping more attractive and convenient for millions of consumers across the UK, whether online or in-store.
This will be supported through upskilling programmes for Sainsbury’s colleagues, helping them to be informed and grow in the new AI-driven economy.
Sainsbury’s will use Microsoft’s facilities for itself in 3 main areas:
Clodagh Moriarty, Sainsbury’s director of retail and technology, said: “Our collaboration with Microsoft will increase our ambition to be the UK’s first AI-powered grocer.
“This is one of the key tactics we are investing in to transform our functions over the next 3 years, enabling us to take another big step forward in power and productivity, continue to provide best-in-class visitor service and generate returns for our shareholders. “
Clare Barclay, chief executive of Microsoft UK, said: “Today, Sainsbury’s has unveiled an ambitious vision that places AI at the heart of its business, accelerating the progression of new services, which will reshape the experience for visitors and colleagues.
“We are excited to collaborate with Sainsbury’s to power the next generation of retail. “
Follow:
Share this page: