Introduction
Walmart de México y Centroamérica is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance its operations and prepare for the impact of labor reform, which will gradually reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030 in Mexico.
Adapting to Labor Reform
To maintain business continuity, the retail giant is restructuring its store operations and other company areas. With AI’s assistance, they aim to identify efficiencies in certain processes to boost productivity. These benefits are expected to be visible in the coming year.
“We are working hard and redesigning processes to drive initiatives that will help us offset some of these labor costs, not just now but also in the future when the labor reforms are implemented. We need to be prepared for that,” said Paulo García, Finance Director of Walmart de México y Centroamérica.
Optimizing Store Operations
The implementation of AI technology has enabled better organization and utilization of store spaces and product displays. Tasks that previously took weeks are now accomplished in hours.
“We’re using AI-powered visual recognition to analyze images and understand store modular configurations and maintenance needs. This will help us improve operational availability, better serve our customers, and meet order requirements,” explained Raúl Quintana, Omnichannel Operations Director at the retail chain.
AI Applications Across Walmart de México
According to the retail chain, AI tools have been implemented in some stores, helping store managers optimize daily tasks and make decisions more quickly and accurately.
- In the e-commerce sector, AI has automated product page creation and information organization processes, reducing manual work significantly.
- Customer service has also benefited from AI, as it helps address the increasing volume of inquiries more swiftly without relying heavily on human resources.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Walmart de México and Centroamérica doing with AI? The retail giant is using AI to optimize store operations, adapt to labor reform, and streamline processes across various departments.
- How does AI help Walmart de México adapt to labor reform? By identifying efficiencies in certain processes, AI helps Walmart de México offset labor costs and maintain business continuity.
- In which areas is AI being applied at Walmart de México? AI is being used in store operations, e-commerce, and customer service to improve efficiency and productivity.
- What specific benefits has AI brought to Walmart de México? AI has enabled better store space and product display organization, optimized daily tasks for store managers, automated e-commerce processes, and improved customer service response times.
