Digital Transformation Success: Vinay Acharya's Merch One Platform Revolutionizes Walmart's Merchandising Operations

Digital Transformation Success: Vinay Acharya’s Merch One Platform Revolutionizes Walmart’s Merchandising Operations

Vinay Acharya | Vinay Acharya has transformed Walmart’s merchandising operations through his digital innovation and strategic leadership, transforming the way the retail giant manages its $5 billion merchandising ecosystem by developing and implementing the first-of-its-kind Merch One platform. There was an urgent need to merge the rather complex merchandising processes of Walmart into one effective and simple system. Acharya initiated and executed an initiative that was difficult-to-understand and challenging because the group attempted to merge multiple workflows for merchants. That was going to cohere into a single workflow system compatible with Walmart’s strategy for tremendous operational improvements. This transformation was rooted in Acharya’s innovative approach to problem-solving and in-depth understanding of merchant needs. The Online Pickup and Delivery workstreams proved a game-changer, unlocking a substantial revenue opportunity of $417 million by addressing long-standing operational pain points. Most notably, it achieved a remarkable 37% reduction in Nil Pick Loss, particularly for low-coverage items, significantly enhancing inventory management and order fulfillment efficiency. In fact, it created a single source of truth across all fulfillment and shipping channels, and the development of the module became the cornerstone of the project’s success. Such comprehensive data visibility empowered merchants, resulting in a 10% year-over-year […]

AI data centres power Indonesia’s digital transformation

AI data centres power Indonesia’s digital transformation

AI-driven data centres enable scalable, efficient infrastructure to support innovations across industries like fintech, e-commerce, and logistics. Image courtesy of Scott Rodgerson. BDx Data Centers (BDx) recently launched Indonesia’s first AI-based data centre park, equipped with Nvidia’s accelerated computing technology. In an interview with Frontier Enterprise, Mayank Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of BDx, discusses the role of this development in advancing Indonesia’s AI innovation initiatives and shares insights into how frontier technologies are reshaping the data centre industry. Which are the different aspects of the digital economy that are fueling the rise in demand for AI data centres in Indonesia today? Digital sovereignty mandates, the e-commerce boom, the rise of fintech, and various government initiatives are driving the growth of AI data centres in Indonesia. The Indonesian government’s GR 71 (Government Regulation No. 71/2019) requires data for public services to be processed and stored domestically, reinforcing the need for local data centres. Indonesia’s digital economy is growing rapidly, with increasing internet and smartphone penetration leading to a surge in data generation across multiple sectors. Furthermore, businesses in the country are increasingly adopting AI technologies to gain a competitive edge, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. In the booming e-commerce […]

BiUp.ai partners with Škoda Auto India for AI-driven digital transformation

BiUp.ai partners with Škoda Auto India for AI-driven digital transformation

Enhancing customer experience with immersive AR/VR technologies for the Škoda Kylaq launch. BiUp.ai, an AI-led immersive tech SaaS platform, has partnered with Škoda Auto India for the launch of the Škoda Kylaq. The focus of this collaboration is on digital transformation within the automotive industry, with the aim of creating a unified, connected customer experience using advanced technologies. This partnership marks a step forward for both companies in enhancing the future of automotive marketing. By integrating BiUP.ai’s AI-led immersive visualization suite, the collaboration seeks to improve customer engagement and provide valuable insights for the automotive sector. Petr Janeba, Brand Director for Škoda Auto India, remarked, “The all-new Kylaq represents a new chapter for Škoda in India, with a strong emphasis on redefining the customer experience. Utilizing AI, AR, and XR technologies enables customers to interact with the vehicle in a digital setting, offering a more immersive and convenient experience.” “BiUP.ai is excited to partner with Škoda Auto to bring the Kylaq to life in a unique and innovative manner,” said Prashant Sinha, CEO and Founder of BiUP.ai. “Our expertise in AI, data intelligence, and extended reality has allowed us to develop a platform that enhances customer engagement. This collaboration […]

Red Cross launches Kenya digital transformation strategy

Red Cross launches Kenya digital transformation strategy

Dr Ahmed Idris, Kenya Red Cross Secretary General. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) yesterday unveiled its data and digital transformation strategy (2024-2028) to stakeholders in Nairobi. According to the KRCS, the goal of this strategy is to use data and digital technologies to transform humanitarian action and provide meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable services. This entails incorporating digital tools and data-driven insights into humanitarian efforts to guarantee they are efficient, effective, and adapted to the specific needs of communities. “In the past few years, we have witnessed the transformative power of data and digital solutions in addressing some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges,” said Dr Ahmed Idris, KRCS secretary general. “From improving our disaster response capabilities to enhancing community health and well-being, these technologies have become integral to our mission,” he added. Idris stated that the local Red Cross seeks to embrace a data-driven and digitally enabled approach that will be critical in fulfilling the changing requirements of the communities they serve. “This strategy is not just about technology. It is about people. It is about equipping our staff, volunteers, and communities with the skills and tools they need to make a difference,” Idris said. “It is about […]

Somalia leaps towards digital transformation and drives country-wide financial inclusion through QR-based payments brought by BPC

Somalia leaps towards digital transformation and drives country-wide financial inclusion through QR-based payments brought by BPC

#FeaturedPost Somalia, historically characterised by a predominantly cash-based economy, has recently made significant developments toward digital financial inclusion. ADVERTISEMENT Recommended articles markets Switzerland’s strategy aims to foster sustainable and inclusive future for Africa markets Top 10 African countries that have gone from low-income to middle-income economies markets Top 10 African countries with the highest tech funding in 2024 The country’s financial landscape has long been shaped by limited access to formal banking services, with only about 15% of the population banked. The challenge was also pushed by the concentration of licensed commercial banks in urban areas and the financial exclusion of rural and nomadic populations due to the country’s environment. However, recent government initiatives aimed at promoting digital payments and modern financial solutions are yielding positive results. Today, over 160 million mobile payment transactions are processed in Somalia, reflecting a rapid uptake of digital financial services. Understanding the benefits of digitalization, Somalia’s government has taken huge steps to modernise its financial ecosystem and provide citizens with access to reliable, internationally accepted payment methods. In line with its vision to digitally transform the economy, the government has prioritised expanding digital payment options to both individuals and merchants. To support this […]

Vietnam’s exciting journey towards a connected future

Vietnam’s exciting journey towards a connected future

The past year was a landmark one for Vietnam as the country launched 5G in keeping with its digital transformation agenda. The recent launch serves to fulfil the government’s vision of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to drive the digital transformation of the country, and it will create the next wave of inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development for the country. Rita Mokbel, President, Ericsson Vietnam Ericsson has been in Vietnam since 1993 and we have been a partner to the country through generations of mobility, bringing the benefits of connectivity to the people of Vietnam. Together with leading operators, we have launched 5G in Vietnam and are working with them to ensure Vietnam is at the forefront of 5G developments, sharing our technical capabilities, market insights and thought leadership. Globally, 2024 saw some extraordinary examples of how 5G can rise to the challenge of high-traffic scenarios. From the Paris Global Sporting Event and the European Football Championships to Taylor Swift’s Eras concerts, these events demonstrated the power of 5G to deliver seamless connectivity in demanding conditions. These cases represent the real-world potential of 5G and its ability to redefine connectivity. We expect that by 2029, more than 70 per […]

Lead the change: Pushing past roadblocks to drive sustainable business transformation in Europe

Lead the change: Pushing past roadblocks to drive sustainable business transformation in Europe

Pushing past roadblocks to drive sustainable business transformation in Europe Banner Our new joint study with IMD explores how businesses can move past roadblocks while leveraging drivers and accelerators for fast-tracking business transformation and sustainability success Despite widespread commitment to sustainability, businesses are facing challenges in turning ambitious goals into impactful actions. Key hurdles include fragmented visions, an overemphasis on risk and compliance, misalignment between leadership and middle management, limited scalability, and a disconnect between sustainability objectives and resource allocation. Recognizing the complexities and multidimensionality of sustainability, Capgemini Invent partnered with IMD, a globally renowned academic institution, to explore how organizations are navigating their sustainability journey. Through in-depth interviews with 91 senior executives across 11 industries within the EU/EEA, the research blends quantitative data with qualitative insights, to explore the ‘how’ of an ideal sustainable business transformation. The whitepaper examines not only roadblocks and drivers, but also practical steps businesses are taking to integrate sustainability into organizational DNA. “With the ever-increasing importance of sustainability to businesses, often the path ahead is unclear. Despite ambitious sustainability commitments, businesses may struggle to transform without leveraging necessary drivers and accelerators. Holistic sustainability integration can lead organizations to be better positioned to face […]

Digital transformation at Da Nang Port

Digital transformation at Da Nang Port

The Da Nang Port Joint Stock Company has focused on developing and applying information technology to production, maximising digitalization of all stages in the operational process, especially focusing on container cargo. Pioneering digital transformation in the Vietnamese seaport system has brought many benefits to the Da Nang Port; thereby, reducing costs and increasing added value for customers. Automatic container gates at the Tien Sa Port bring high benefits. Photo: THANH LAN With modern infrastructure and diverse services, the Da Nang Port has affirmed its leading role in promoting regional economic development. In recent years, the Da Nang Port has continuously invested in upgrading port infrastructure such as putting into operation the project of building a yard behind piers No. 4, 5 of Tien Sa Port, equipped with 1 QCC crane, 4 ERTG cranes and accompanying technical infrastructure, meeting the needs of serving container ships up to 50,000 DWT and general cargo ships up to 70,000 DWT, passenger ships with a capacity of 168,000 GT. At the same time, it is a leading unit in the Vietnamese seaport system in digital transformation, applying renewable energy technology and energy-saving solutions in daily operations. According to the assessment of the Da Nang […]

Banking CEOs Bet on Emerging Technology despite the Skills Gap in Digital Transformation

Banking CEOs Bet on Emerging Technology despite the Skills Gap in Digital Transformation

Two-thirds of banking CEOs are confident in the growth prospects of the banking and capital markets industry over the next three years. 81 percent report generative AI (Gen AI) as a top investment priority for their organization. Talent remains a key concern in driving technology-enabled business transformation. 81 percent reported cybercrime/cyber security as the top factor likely to have a negative impact on organizational growth over the next three years. 58 percent anticipate receiving a significant rate of return on their ESG investments within three to five years. CEOs in the banking sector are confident about their company’s growth potential and are betting on large investments in emerging technology, a survey of 120 sector leaders from across the world finds. The KPMG CEO Outlook, now in its tenth year globally, revealed that 66 percent of banking CEOs are confident in the growth prospects of the banking and capital markets industry over the next three years. Eighty-one percent report Gen AI as a top investment priority for their organization, despite ongoing economic uncertainty, as they see emerging technology as a key component in business transformation. However, talent and cyber security remain key concerns for industry leaders as the industry attempts […]

Continued growth set for e-commerce

Continued growth set for e-commerce

The rapid growth of the digital economy has propelled Vietnam’s retail e-commerce market to surpass $25 billion in 2024, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. The country’s e-commerce sector continues to sustain impressive growth rates, ranging from 18 to 25 per cent annually. Additionally, the retail e-commerce market now constitutes approximately 9 per cent of Vietnam’s total retail sales and consumer service revenue. Continued growth set for e-commerce “This achievement not only drives the nation’s economic development but also leads the digital transformation of businesses across sectors,” said Lai Viet Anh, deputy director of the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, during a conference on digital economy development held on December 25 in Hanoi. The conference, which focused on promoting digital transformation in wholesale and retail, underscored the role of e-commerce in Vietnam’s economic growth. It was reported at the event that Vietnam’s e-commerce sector has solidified its position as a pioneering force in the digital economy. In 2023, e-commerce reached $20.5 billion, contributing to the broader digital economy valued at $30 billion, placing the country among the top three Southeast Asian nations by digital market size. In […]