Retail Leaders Series (Part 7/8) : Choosing the Right AI Tools

With so many AI tools available, how do Philippine retailers pick the right ones? The key is to focus on solving real problems, not chasing hype.

This article offers a framework to evaluate AI tools by fit, cost, and impact.

Avoid the Shiny Object Trap

AI tools pop up daily, promising miracles. The danger is buying tools without solving real business pain. Start with your pain points, not the tools.

A Simple Evaluation Framework

1. Fit: Does the tool integrate with your existing POS, ERP, or workflows?
2. Cost: Is it affordable compared to the value it creates? Subscription or per-use pricing can keep costs low.
3. Impact: Will it actually move the needle — save time, reduce spoilage, or improve customer experience?

Local Example

A retailer in Cebu skipped an expensive AI-powered analytics platform and instead deployed a simple chatbot for customer inquiries. It solved a bigger pain point (customer wait times) at a fraction of the cost.

Practical Tips

• Ask vendors for demos with your own data, not just generic slides.
• Start with trial or free tiers before committing.
• Involve both IT and frontline users in the evaluation.

Call to Action

Don't chase hype. Choose AI tools the way you'd choose new inventory: based on demand, fit, and return. That's how AI creates real value.

Quick Quiz