5 Top Takeaways from a Conversation on Retail’s Dynamic Data Shift

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with CIO.com’s Aaron Goldberg in their ongoing podcast series, Your Data Is Your Platform, sponsored by Informatica. In the fifth episode on retail, we ventured into pivotal subjects that are reshaping the retail landscape, delving into the complexities of constructing a data platform that fuels innovation and drives transformation within organizations. This journey covered everything from the profound influence of data on customer experiences to the obstacles encountered during the process of digital transformation.

Let's dive into the five key takeaways from our discussion:

We kicked off the conversation by highlighting the critical role data plays in enhancing customer experiences within the retail sector. In today's consumer-centric economy, the ability to engage customers on their terms can be the difference between success and failure.

This principle applies to retailers and direct-to-consumer companies alike. Crafting products, services and engagement strategies that resonate with customers' preferences hinges on having accurate and comprehensive customer data. It's all about understanding the customer journey and using data to create personalized and memorable experiences.

However, a major challenge arises in the form of data sprawl. Retailers, especially larger ones, accumulate data from various sources, including multiple point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms and supply chain systems. Determining which data is accurate, relevant and impactful becomes crucial. Selecting the right datasets to power customer experiences is a significant task, especially considering the sheer volume of data that exists today.

The conversation then shifted to the pressing issue of compliance and data privacy. Retailers need to navigate a complex landscape of regulations such as the General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), which dictate how customer data should be handled and protected.

While regulatory demands in the retail sector might not be as stringent as in other industries like finance or healthcare, they still require attention. Achieving compliance is not only about meeting legal requirements but also about building trust with customers by safeguarding their data.

Additionally, there's an increasing focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Retailers are expected to transparently report their carbon footprints and demonstrate responsible business practices. Meeting these demands necessitates robust data management practices, as accurate reporting relies on reliable and clean data.

We explored the importance of the human element in driving digital transformation. Employees need to embrace new technologies, and organizations should facilitate this transition through training, resources and opportunities to apply newly acquired skills. Employees equipped with up-to-date skills can create meaningful impacts by infusing new technologies into the organization's operations and customer engagement strategies. Transforming the way we work requires a transfer of energy and enthusiasm for adapting to new tools and methodologies.

As mentioned earlier, data sprawl is a common challenge in the retail industry, where a myriad of systems and platforms coexist. Some organizations may want to consolidate all data into a single source right away, but realistically, this might not be feasible.

Instead, the focus should be on effective data management practices that ensure data quality, security and accessibility. Whether data is spread across various cloud providers, on-premises systems or SaaS solutions, the key is to unify and manage the data estate efficiently.

In terms of digital transformation, there's a strategic decision to make: replace legacy systems with modern technology or leverage existing systems and data sources. The choice depends on factors like budget and business constraints. For retail, a sector often operating on thin margins, a gradual evolution toward modernization seems to be the preferred approach.

As we wrapped up the discussion, a critical recommendation emerged: Focus on solving basic data management challenges before diving into complex technological advancements. Retailers need to have accurate, consistent and reliable data for essential processes like sales tracking, inventory management and returns. Building upon this solid foundation is key to successful digital transformation and innovation.

In a fast-paced world where data shapes the retail landscape, understanding your data, complying with regulations, nurturing the human element and effectively managing data sprawl are essential. As retailers continue their journey toward becoming data-driven businesses, these insights provide a roadmap for success.

Curious about the full discourse? Check out this podcast, “Data Is the Difference for Retail.”

For more information on how Informatica brings data to life for retail, visit www.informatica.com/retail.