• Nearly 6 in 10 retailers plan to adopt AI, machine learning and computer vision technologies within the next year

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – According to a new survey released today by Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON), nearly six in 10 retailers plan to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and computer vision (CV) technologies over the next year to enhance the shopping experience offered within stores and online. The research also indicates that retailers see this new technology as complementing and enhancing their workforce and not eliminating jobs.

Honeywell’s AI in Retail survey involved some 1,000 retail directors across the Middle East, the United States, Europe and Africa in leadership roles – including IT, operations, and customer experience. Some of the key findings about the state of AI, ML and CV technologies today include:

  • 38% of those surveyed are using these technologies for select use cases or regions
  • 35% are using them on a larger scale
  • 24% are in a pilot phase or in discussions
  • Only 3% said they were not using these technologies at all

Nearly half (48%) of respondents identified AI, ML and CV as the top technologies expected to have a significant impact on the retail industry over the next three to five years.

“In the Middle East’s fast-developing retail environment, there is greater attention on the customer experience along with increased need to innovate in a hyper-competitive environment,” said Minda Xu, Vice President and General Manager for High Growth Regions, Safety and Productivity Solutions. “New technologies like AI, ML and CV have the potential to enable retailers to deliver personalized experiences, optimize operations, improve inventory management and prevent fraud – all of which enhance customer satisfaction and can lead to increased sales and profitability.”

The Middle-East retail industry is forecast to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 4.0 percent from US$ 360.4 billion in 2020 to US$ 438.5 billion in 2025[1].

AI to enhance customer experience, efficiencies and more

The convenience of online purchasing with fast delivery and curated in-store shopping options have raised consumers' expectations. Surveyed retailers said they are highly motivated to implement new technologies that help them achieve their goals. The top three reasons leaders gave for deploying new technologies included:

  • Improving customer experience (59%)
  • Driving greater productivity (49%)
  • Achieving cost efficiencies / return on investment (ROI) (44%)

Survey respondents predict that AI, ML and CV will bring the greatest value to four key functions in retail: automating and supporting day-to-day tasks, such as picking and scheduling; supporting customer service, including live chat, for digital channels; creating targeted customer marketing campaigns and improving inventory management.

AI to complement the future workforce, despite some barriers to adoption

Study findings suggest that most retailers see AI, ML and CV primarily as tools to augment and maximize their workforce, rather than to replace employees. Only 7% of those surveyed said their primary purpose for these solutions would be to reduce human labor. The new technologies can enable better utilization of the workforce through predictive analytics, which can lead, in turn, to improved job satisfaction and more time to focus on higher-value tasks.

Despite the large potential impact of the new technologies – AI, ML and CV – the survey data indicates three primary barriers to widespread adoption:

  • Budget restrictions (39%)
  • Difficulty in demonstrating business value (29%)
  • Lack of internal expertise to maintain the technology (21%)

“The importance of attracting and keeping customers and employees has never been greater,” said Xu. “As AI continues to evolve, expect an exciting future where innovative technologies unlock new levels of efficiency, engagement and satisfaction in retail.”

For additional information on Honeywell’s solutions for retailers, and to read more about the survey results, please visit: https://sps.honeywell.com/us/en/industries/retail.

-Ends-

Methodology

Honeywell’s AI in Retail online survey of 1,000 Directors in Retail, IT, Operations and Customer Experience was commissioned by Honeywell and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct.

Data was collected between April 3-26, 2023. All participants are double opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this document is intended solely for informational purposes and not as advice or recommendations for any particular action or investment. The information should not be relied upon, in whole or in part, as the basis for decision-making or investment purposes. The document and its contents are not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and are provided on an “as is” basis. Use of this information is at your own risk. Honeywell disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of such information and shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in such information. This document includes opinions which should not be construed as statements of fact. Any opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Any forecasts and forward-looking statements are directional indicators, are not predictions of future events, and do not in any way reflect expectations for (or actual) Honeywell operational or financial performance. Any forecasts and forward-looking statements represent our current judgment and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forecasts and forward-looking statements, which reflect our opinions only as of the date of publication for this document. Honeywell is not obligated to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forecasts and forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

Media Contact:
Nemer Barakat
Four Communications
Honeywell@fourcommunications.com  

[1] REOGMA, Retail Industry in the Middle East, 2021