30,000 examples of how Ikea works with AI [Video]

In addition to broad efforts in data strategy, a large cross section of employees has attended full-time AI training to build a more vigorous workforce.

Credit: Ingka

Only a few years ago, Ikea developed a group-wide data effort with a particular focus on AI to manage investments, and it’s been a focal imperative ever since. 

“If followed right, more data can be used in the apps and AI solutions that are built as new data comes in,” says Francesco Marzoni, chief data and analytics officer at Ingka, the holding company that runs most of Ikea’s department stores. 

Marzoni is in charge of a department with upward of 500 people who work with data analysis and machine learning (ML). And then there’s also a traditional IT department with system architects and developers. 

“We work together in cross-functional teams to develop different solutions, and our collaboration works very well,” he says. “If managers on …