NTT AI-CIX, Retail AI Launch DX Firm for Supply Chains

NTT AI-CIX Inc. and Retail AI Inc. have jointly established a new company, Retail-CIX Inc., to launch a new business in the distribution supply chain. Initially, the company will develop advanced demand forecasting using POS data and supply chain optimization services using chained AI agents between business processes.

This initiative is based on the results of SCM (supply chain management) reforms being carried out through a collaboration agreement between NTT Corporation and Trial Holdings, Inc., and is a system that uses AI and digital twin technology to visualize and optimize a series of processes that were previously difficult to see in production, distribution, and sales, such as demand, ordering, inventory, shelf allocation, logistics, and in-store operations.

In the distribution industry, structural issues have led to constant problems such as excess inventory and rising costs for returns and disposal. Furthermore, in recent years, labor shortages have become more severe at each stage of production, distribution, and sales, leading to rising delivery costs and store labor costs, putting pressure on management efficiency. In response to this, NTT AI-CIX and Retail AI have been working with Trial HD to repeatedly conduct proof-of-concept experiments in stores. The results have led to a stage where significant efficiency gains can be expected.

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We plan to collaborate with multiple manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, and aim to create and expand the adoption of innovative services that use chained AI agents to solve structural issues caused by existing industry practices. This will reconstruct Japan’s entire distribution structure through “visualization of supply and demand,” “inventory reduction,” “standardization of work,” and “optimization of delivery,” and realize a sustainable commercial distribution model.

SOURCE: AICIX