AI & automation boost value of retail analysts amid old hurdles
New research from Alteryx has found that AI and analytics automation are significantly enhancing the strategic value and job satisfaction of data analysts within the retail sector.
According to the "2025 State of the Data Analyst" report, compiled by Alteryx after surveying 280 analysts across retail and consumer goods globally, 93% of respondents said they have experienced a notable increase in the strategic importance of their role over the past year. This trend has been linked to significant investments in AI and automation within the industry.
The report reveals that 89% of retail data analysts attribute an improvement in job satisfaction to the deployment of AI, while 86% believe analytics automation has bolstered their roles and helped retailers maintain competitiveness.
A substantial proportion, 92%, believe that acquiring skills in AI and automation is essential for continued career development, underlining the growing importance of data-driven technologies in optimising retail operations. The survey also highlights that 53% of respondents feel AI solutions have saved them time, allowing greater focus on innovative tasks instead of routine processes.
Benefits and expectations
The findings show that over a third (39%) of retail analysts feel that the use of AI has exceeded their initial expectations during the past year. This optimism extends beyond personal benefits and into broader business impact, as automation provides them with more time to develop new ideas and streamline operational efficiency.
Despite the positive impact, the report also outlines ongoing challenges within the sector. Specifically, the majority of retail data analysts continue to rely on older, manual methods for managing complex data. Seventy-seven percent say they still use spreadsheets such as Excel and Google Sheets for data cleansing and preparation, tasks that consume six to ten hours each week for 39% of those surveyed.
The persistence of these processes is viewed as a major obstacle to achieving the full potential and value of AI in retail. Nearly half (48%) of respondents noted that faster problem-solving is a priority, but the time spent on manual data preparation hinders this objective. This, in turn, limits the agility retailers require to keep pace with shifting market demands and changing customer expectations.
Technology fragmentation
The research also explores the diversity of tools used for analysis in the sector. Seventy-eight percent of data analysts report using between three and ten different software platforms regularly for preparing and analysing data. When asked about their preferences, 69% would like to reduce this number to between one and four tools, suggesting a clear desire for more streamlined technology solutions.
The strategic implications of slowing down data-driven projects through fragmented or outdated processes are also a key concern. As analysts attempt to integrate data for use in AI and automation, the use of multiple platforms can introduce delays and complexity, ultimately affecting the speed at which businesses can act on insights.
Industry context and commentary
Looking ahead, technology spend in the retail sector is forecast to experience sustained growth. PwC predicts that annual retail technology expenditure will increase by 10% each year until 2028, with a substantial portion dedicated to AI solutions. Alteryx's Chief Product Officer, Ben Canning, commented on the findings, stating: "PwC estimates that retail technology spending is set to grow by 10% each year to 2028, a significant increase compared to previous years. With so much of this increased spend being channelled into AI, retail leaders can't afford to ignore these findings. Data analysts are emerging as pivotal team members, using AI and automation to build the highly personalised journeys that customers love. However, friction from outdated data processes risks undermining this progress and making it harder for retail organisations to realise the full benefits of AI and automation. Retailers that modernise how data is processed and managed will be best positioned to unlock AI's full potential and gain a critical edge in an increasingly competitive market."
The survey was conducted by Coleman Parkes with respondents from the Americas, EMEA, and APJ regions. Participants included those tasked with data preparation or business process improvement in retail and consumer goods, with direct experience in AI implementation.
The report's findings highlight both the growing optimism among retail data analysts regarding the potential of AI and automation, and the practical obstacles the sector faces as it seeks to modernise data processes to fully capture the value these technologies promise.
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Techday NZ
4 days ago
- Techday NZ
AI & automation boost value of retail analysts amid old hurdles
New research from Alteryx has found that AI and analytics automation are significantly enhancing the strategic value and job satisfaction of data analysts within the retail sector. According to the "2025 State of the Data Analyst" report, compiled by Alteryx after surveying 280 analysts across retail and consumer goods globally, 93% of respondents said they have experienced a notable increase in the strategic importance of their role over the past year. This trend has been linked to significant investments in AI and automation within the industry. The report reveals that 89% of retail data analysts attribute an improvement in job satisfaction to the deployment of AI, while 86% believe analytics automation has bolstered their roles and helped retailers maintain competitiveness. A substantial proportion, 92%, believe that acquiring skills in AI and automation is essential for continued career development, underlining the growing importance of data-driven technologies in optimising retail operations. The survey also highlights that 53% of respondents feel AI solutions have saved them time, allowing greater focus on innovative tasks instead of routine processes. Benefits and expectations The findings show that over a third (39%) of retail analysts feel that the use of AI has exceeded their initial expectations during the past year. This optimism extends beyond personal benefits and into broader business impact, as automation provides them with more time to develop new ideas and streamline operational efficiency. Despite the positive impact, the report also outlines ongoing challenges within the sector. Specifically, the majority of retail data analysts continue to rely on older, manual methods for managing complex data. Seventy-seven percent say they still use spreadsheets such as Excel and Google Sheets for data cleansing and preparation, tasks that consume six to ten hours each week for 39% of those surveyed. The persistence of these processes is viewed as a major obstacle to achieving the full potential and value of AI in retail. Nearly half (48%) of respondents noted that faster problem-solving is a priority, but the time spent on manual data preparation hinders this objective. This, in turn, limits the agility retailers require to keep pace with shifting market demands and changing customer expectations. Technology fragmentation The research also explores the diversity of tools used for analysis in the sector. Seventy-eight percent of data analysts report using between three and ten different software platforms regularly for preparing and analysing data. When asked about their preferences, 69% would like to reduce this number to between one and four tools, suggesting a clear desire for more streamlined technology solutions. The strategic implications of slowing down data-driven projects through fragmented or outdated processes are also a key concern. As analysts attempt to integrate data for use in AI and automation, the use of multiple platforms can introduce delays and complexity, ultimately affecting the speed at which businesses can act on insights. Industry context and commentary Looking ahead, technology spend in the retail sector is forecast to experience sustained growth. PwC predicts that annual retail technology expenditure will increase by 10% each year until 2028, with a substantial portion dedicated to AI solutions. Alteryx's Chief Product Officer, Ben Canning, commented on the findings, stating: "PwC estimates that retail technology spending is set to grow by 10% each year to 2028, a significant increase compared to previous years. With so much of this increased spend being channelled into AI, retail leaders can't afford to ignore these findings. Data analysts are emerging as pivotal team members, using AI and automation to build the highly personalised journeys that customers love. However, friction from outdated data processes risks undermining this progress and making it harder for retail organisations to realise the full benefits of AI and automation. Retailers that modernise how data is processed and managed will be best positioned to unlock AI's full potential and gain a critical edge in an increasingly competitive market." The survey was conducted by Coleman Parkes with respondents from the Americas, EMEA, and APJ regions. Participants included those tasked with data preparation or business process improvement in retail and consumer goods, with direct experience in AI implementation. The report's findings highlight both the growing optimism among retail data analysts regarding the potential of AI and automation, and the practical obstacles the sector faces as it seeks to modernise data processes to fully capture the value these technologies promise.
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Article – Hugh Grant In this guide, we will explore how Excel can revolutionize your approach to planning weddings and other events. You'll discover effective methods to utilize Excel's functionalities, ensuring you deliver remarkable results to your clients every time. In the dynamic world of event planning, especially for grand occasions like weddings, having a reliable tool at your disposal is indispensable. Excel, a versatile and powerful software, stands out as an essential asset for event planners. Its adaptability and comprehensive features allow you to organize, manage, and execute events flawlessly. Whether you're handling an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, mastering Excel can transform your planning experience. As an event planner, your responsibilities span various domains—from budget management to guest list coordination. Excel empowers you to consolidate these tasks into a single platform, providing a seamless planning process. With its extensive range of functions, Excel can help you maintain accuracy, efficiency, and creativity in your event planning endeavors. In this guide, we will explore how Excel can revolutionize your approach to planning weddings and other events. You'll discover effective methods to utilize Excel's functionalities, ensuring you deliver remarkable results to your clients every time. Importance of Organization in Event Planning The capability of the popular spreadsheet to manage and analyze data with precision makes it an invaluable tool for planners. Its flexibility allows you to tailor sheets to fit the specific needs of any event, from weddings to corporate gatherings. For event planners, this means efficiently managing guest lists, budgets, and timelines without the risk of losing crucial information. Advanced features, such as formulas and charts, enable you to visualize data, making it easier to understand and present to clients or team members. Real applications of Excel Budget Tracker A well-structured budget is the backbone of successful event planning. Excel's SUMIFS function allows you to create a comprehensive budget tracker, helping you manage expenses with precision. You can monitor every financial aspect of the event and ensure you stay within the allotted budget. To create a budget tracker using SUMIFS, start by listing all your potential expenses, such as venue costs, catering, decorations, and entertainment. Organize these expenses into categories for better clarity. With SUMIFS, you can calculate the total expenditure for each category, allowing you to identify areas where you might need to adjust spending. For example, if you have a category for 'Catering' and need to track expenses based on vendor and date, SUMIFS can help you sum the costs that meet these specific criteria. 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Share the chart with your team and clients to keep everyone informed and aligned with the event schedule. This transparency helps in maintaining accountability and ensuring that all parties are aware of their responsibilities. Guest Lists with FILTER Function The FILTER function allows you to manage guest lists with ease, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date. You can sort and filter data based on specific criteria, making guest management a breeze. Start by creating a comprehensive list of guests, including details such as names, contact information, and RSVP status. Use the FILTER function to sort guests by categories like response status or dietary preferences. This capability helps you quickly identify who has responded, who needs follow-up, and any special requirements. Additionally, the FILTER function can be used to create sub-lists for specific purposes, such as seating arrangements or meal selections. This way, you can ensure a personalized experience for each attendee, enhancing their overall event experience. Best Practices for Sharing Excel Files Sharing Excel data files effectively is key to successful collaboration among event planning teams and clients. Ensuring that everyone has access to the latest information helps prevent miscommunication and errors. Here are some best practices for sharing Excel files: Use Cloud Storage: Store your Excel files in a cloud service to facilitate easy access and sharing. This ensures that all team members can view and edit the most current version of the file. Set Permissions: Control who can view or edit the Excel file with appropriate permissions. This helps maintain data integrity and prevents unauthorized changes. Track Changes: Enable Excel's Track Changes feature to monitor alterations made by team members. This feature helps you keep a record of who made changes and allows for easy review and approval. OneDrive, a cloud storage solution from Microsoft, offers seamless integration with Excel and is a powerful tool for client collaboration in event planning. One of the primary benefits of using OneDrive is its ability to store and share Excel files effortlessly. You can grant clients access to specific files, allowing them to view and provide feedback in real-time. This level of transparency builds trust and ensures that clients feel involved and valued throughout the planning process. Advanced Tips for Event Planners Explore advanced tools and tricks that can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness. Pivot Tables: Learn Pivot Tables so you can summarize and analyze large datasets quickly. This feature is particularly useful for generating reports on guest lists, expenses, and other critical data. Conditional Formatting: Apply Conditional Formatting to highlight important information, such as overdue tasks or budget overruns. 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Update and double check functions: Manual data entry is an advantage of spreadsheets but also a risk. Check date formats and figures resulting from complex formulas and functions.
