CASE STUDY
We are in the early days of this partnership , however , it ’ s important to recognise that unlocking the potential of Generative AI requires a strong foundation of robust , high-quality data . We have been making significant strides in recent years to consolidate our data , to give us this solid grounding . Our strategy of collecting , protecting and using our data to help everyone enjoy amazing technology has laid the groundwork for our work with Accenture and Microsoft to be built on . This progress in data has meant we have already been able to execute AI and Machine Learning at scale .
Alex Baldock , Group CEO , Currys , said : “ AI is the biggest technological leap of our lifetime . Currys exists to help everyone enjoy amazing technology , so as well as bringing the benefits of AI to millions of customers , we ’ ll do the same to our own business . We couldn ’ t have better partners for this , and together we aim to put Currys at the forefront of Digital Transformation in retail . We ’ re just starting out here , but the possibilities are vast . I ’ m looking forward to unlocking big benefits
for our colleagues , customers and shareholders .”
Julie Sweet , Chair and CEO , Accenture , said : “ Building a strong digital core will enable Currys to take its customer service and employee experience to the next level , and more quickly harness the potential of AI and Generative AI to drive its ongoing reinvention . Together with Microsoft , we are helping Currys raise the bar in the retail industry , reach new frontiers of performance and efficiency , and create new value and growth .”
Ralph Haupter , President , EMEA at Microsoft , said : “ AI is rapidly unlocking new opportunities for every organisation and every industry around the world . By deploying the latest cloud and AI technologies , Currys can enhance the shopping experience for millions of customers , both in-store and online , whilst ensuring its 25,000 employees have the insights at their fingertips to unlock value across the entire business .”
We asked Andy Gamble , Chief Information Officer , Currys , further questions to find out more .
How will the partnership with Accenture and Microsoft facilitate Currys in leveraging the latest AI technologies to enhance its operations and improve the shopping experience ?
Our partnership with Accenture and Microsoft is aiming to put Currys at the forefront of Digital Transformation in retail .
And now , working with these partners , we are just beginning to see the impact Generative AI can have on our business , through a small number of initiatives that we believe will accelerate our existing plans as a retailer .
How will Accenture ’ s expertise contribute to Currys ’ Digital Transformation journey , particularly in terms of modernising , securing and simplifying its technology estate ?
Accenture has been a strategic technology partner of Currys for over a decade now , supporting around 60 % of our application estate , and has a deep knowledge of our organisation and existing IT landscape .
This pre-existing awareness of our business , combined with their wider drive in AI adoption – demonstrated by their recent multi-billion-dollar investment in AI and data practices – sets us up to work together incredibly effectively . What ’ s great is that this expertise is matched by the enthusiasm and passion of our techloving colleagues too . Together , we are making great strides across the four pillars mentioned above .
Can you explain how Accenture ’ s collaboration with Microsoft will help Currys raise the bar for the whole retail industry ?
As with any major tech innovation , there has been a tremendous amount of excitement – and debate – about the power of AI .
The retail sector is no different , with some remarkable use cases being explored across many different sub-sectors . Whilst we always have half an eye on the industry , many of these use-cases will be bespoke to a certain retailer ’ s needs . That ’ s why , for the most part , we are focused on how Currys can take advantage of this amazing technology and thankfully we could not have better partners to help us make these decisions .
That being said , we do recognise the value in sharing with our peers what has worked , and what hasn ’ t .
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