The biggest Russian sporting goods retailer has adopted artificial intelligence, using algorithms supplied by a Kiev-based IT company, Softline, in a bid to streamline the internal logistics network. Softline has supplied the hardware and a software system, Nvidia DGX-2, whose performance can be compared to that of dozens of servers.
The new system will be employed to improve Sportmaster’s market-demand forecasts for the timely replenishment of inventories. In addition, it is expected to increase the effectiveness of marketing programs and personnel management within the retail network.
Alexey Turenkov, director of Sportmaster’s IT department, said that a human being would just be unable to execute the tasks that the group currently needs accomplished to cope with the size of its retail chain. It is necessary to place new orders for tens of thousands of product items daily for its 500-plus stores to avoid empty shelves and excessive stocks in the warehouse.
Data analysis with machine learning will also help the retailer increase the effectiveness of its marketing.
