The year 2024 brings various challenges for retail players, including the still existing difficulties in supply chains, staff shortages, increased inflation, and more, as shown in a SAP press release.

The fact that these challenges persist convinces retailers that this is becoming more of a norm rather than an exception.

Given such a context, technological and business process innovations, as well as the combination of the two, will be the key to superior business outcomes in 2024, also providing a good perspective for sustainable growth in the future.

Retailers need to learn how artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality, as well as other tools, can help solidify customer loyalty and increase their trust.

The SAP portfolio includes numerous companies using the capacity of AI-based business solutions to create long-lasting relationships with their customers. Whether it's creating personalized shopping experiences, improving market demand planning, or reducing costs, SAP solutions can enhance such business areas.

Throughout 2023, SAP has helped leaders in the retail industry overcome major obstacles and prepare for the future.

The software company supported these organizations in providing the most enjoyable experiences for end customers, as well as in adopting more sustainable practices, while also pursuing efficiency and innovation. Among the successful projects implemented by SAP in the past year are:

Kaufland/Schwarz IT. Schwarz IT is the technological partner and main service provider for SchwarzGroup, one of the global leaders in retail. Kaufland, part of Schwarz Group, has hundreds of hypermarkets in Europe, including Romania, offering a wide range of food and non-food products at competitive prices.

Customer satisfaction, sustainable actions, and reducing food waste are important pillars of Kaufland's policies. To improve demand planning and stock replenishment, Schwarz IT and Kaufland chose SAP as a partner to implement an innovative solution that learns on its own, with AI capabilities. (Photo: SAP)