Precima-机器学习零售革命（英文版）-16页_Password_Removed.pdf

The Machine Learning Retail Revolution Transformative solutions, powered by insights. Introduction The origins of machine learning can be traced back to foundational theories laid out by the mathematicians Bayes, Legendre and Gauss more than 200 years ago, and the term is thought to have been coined by Arthur Samuel at IBM in the 1950s.1 The practice employs complex models and algorithms that can learn from data and make predictions and decisions based on it. By feeding computers raw information, this component of artificial intelligence (AI) attempts to achieve constant improvement in learning and performance over time. The practice allows computers to take over tasks that would normally require human intelligence, powering remarkable everyday tools like Amazon’s rec- ommendation function and always-on problem-solving, smart shopping virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa. In today’s digital-first world, machine learning — and AI in general — have gained tremendous momentum, reaching the “Peak of Inflated Expectation” in research and advisory company Gartner’s hype cycle.2 According to Gartner, from 2010 to 2015, funding in the AI sector multiplied almost sevenfold,3 and over the next 10 years, AI will be the most disruptive class of technologies. Machine learning is poised to transform several industries, and savvy retailers have already begun to unleash the potential of computers and the cloud to create a better, smarter, more attuned and effective experience for customers. Precima has used machine learning since the company was founded 10 years ago, helping retailers in the areas of pricing, product assortment, promotions, personalized marketing and recommendation systems. “The Machine Learning Retail Revolution” provides a broad introduction to machine learning and explores how Precima applies machine learning to i