This week in process excellence

Another eventful week comes to an end in the world of process excellence!

Major global brands and trending topics took center stage as artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, process mining, process intelligence and robotic process automation (RPA) continue to reshape the landscape of process excellence in today’s fast-evolving business environment.

Here’s a look at the top stories featured on PEX Network this week!

Walmart unveils new AI-powered tools

Walmart is equipping 1.5 million store associates with new AI-powered tools designed to elevate their roles and experience. The move is part of Walmart’s ongoing commitment to providing its workforce with advanced technology along with expanded upskilling programs and clearer career pathways.

Walmart is deploying AI-powered tools across its US associate base, including real-time translation and task management to streamline tasks and improve service.

Walmart’s AI strategy is renowned for balancing innovation, operational excellence (OPEX) and the build versus buy debate. It champions a bottom-up approach to innovation, empowering teams to develop solutions organically. Beyond technology, talent remains central to Walmart’s AI adoption – hiring the right people and placing them in optimal roles.

“AI is a key enabler in improving how we work, and we believe its full potential is unlocked only when paired with the strengths of our people,” said Greg Cathey , SVP, transformation and innovation. “When you put intuitive, accessible technology into the hands of millions of associates, the impact isn’t incremental – it’s transformational.”

Walmart’s new AI-driven tools include:

• An advanced AI workflow tool that intelligently understands, prioritizes and recommends tasks in real time. Store associates are now benefiting from streamlined, intuitive workflows, replacing the previously complex, tool-heavy systems. Initially launched for overnight stocking, the AI solution provides clear task guidance, helping associates focus on high-impact activities.
• A real-time, AI-powered translation tool designed to improve communication between associates and customers across 44 languages. Supporting both text-to-text and speech-to-speech interactions, the tool enables seamless multilingual conversations on the sales floor.
• Conversational AI tool upgrade with generative AI technology to deliver faster, smarter support for store associates. The upcoming generative AI-powered upgrade will take functionality to the next level by transforming complex process documents into easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Meanwhile, Gartner released new research suggesting that over 40 percent of agentic AI projects will be cancelled by the end of 2027 due to escalating costs, unclear business value or inadequate risk controls. Gartner claimed that many vendors are contributing to agentic AI hype by engaging in “agent washing” – the rebranding of existing products such as AI assistants, RPA and chatbots – without substantial agentic capabilities.

ASOS.com optimizes supply chain operations with process intelligence - read the full article here

Gartner releases Magic Quadrant for robotic process automation (RPA) - read the full article here

Munich Airport wins digital transformation award - read the full article here

Everest Group assesses 23 process mining providers in new PEAK Matrix® report - read the full article here