Navigating the World of AI: Insights from ALDO Group’s CIO, Matthieu Houle
In the world of technology, the buzz around Generative AI (GenAI) has been hard to ignore. Businesses worldwide are exploring how they can leverage GenAI tools to empower their employees and drive innovation. However, for Matthieu Houle, the CIO of ALDO Group, GenAI is not the top priority.
In a recent interview, Houle shared his initial excitement about GenAI and how it reminded him of the mobile revolution from 15 years ago. The prospect of building a chatbot for employee service and exploring new possibilities was enticing. However, as the reality of integrating GenAI into their operations set in, Houle realized that chasing the GenAI dream might not be the best use of their time and resources.
Instead, Houle and his team focused on predictive AI and machine learning, which they found to be more transformational for their business. One of their key projects, Delphine, a predictive machine learning model, has been instrumental in supporting front- and back-office teams at ALDO Group.
Delphine plays a crucial role in demand forecasting for ALDO Group, helping them predict consumer demand and optimize inventory, pricing, and channels. Houle emphasized the importance of predictive AI in improving consumer experience and differentiation, highlighting the financial savings and operational efficiencies it brings.
While GenAI may not be at the forefront of ALDO Group’s priorities, they recognize its potential to drive productivity and support employees. By implementing innovative use cases like auto-generating product descriptions and leveraging GenAI for personalized recommendations, ALDO Group is enhancing its eCommerce proposition.
In deploying both predictive and generative AI, Houle emphasizes the importance of responsible AI practices. By being transparent with customers about data collection and usage, ALDO Group aims to build trust and avoid the pitfalls of AI-driven personalization. Houle sees GenAI as an opportunity to engage customers in a more direct and non-creepy manner, fostering a more positive and interactive experience.
To ensure successful adoption of AI technologies within the workforce, Houle recommends positioning AI as a superpower rather than a replacement for human employees. By involving employees early in the process, empowering them with AI-fueled superpowers, and providing training and change management support, organizations can overcome employee reluctance and drive innovation.
In conclusion, while GenAI may not be the primary focus for ALDO Group, the company recognizes its potential to enhance productivity and customer experience. By striking a balance between predictive and generative AI, adopting responsible AI practices, and empowering employees with AI capabilities, ALDO Group is paving the way for a more innovative and customer-centric future.
