Author: Matthew Miller

Quick Overview

• Coles Group is investigating agentic AI for streamlining leave booking for its 120,000 staff members.
• The existing AI assistant on the mycoles staff portal has decreased HR inquiries by 85%.
• Upcoming enhancements are set to allow the AI to undertake actions, such as verifying leave balances.
• Collaboration between Microsoft and SAP is vital for the AI’s advancement.
• Coles is also looking into additional AI applications to enhance employee productivity.

Coles Group Adopts AI for Employee Leave Booking

Coles Group is at the forefront of developing an agentic AI system aimed at transforming the leave booking process for its 120,000 staff members. This groundbreaking strategy is anticipated to simplify administrative functions and boost efficiency within the retailer’s operations.

Caroline O’Brien, Coles Group, left, presents at a Microsoft-led session during the SAP NOW AI Tour in Melbourne.

Success of AI Assistant and Future Initiatives

Recently, Coles launched a “generative AI-driven knowledge assistant” on its mycoles staff portal, designed to respond to frequent inquiries pertaining to employee policies. Caroline O’Brien, general manager of data and intelligence at Coles, stated that the assistant has effectively cut down HR queries by 85%, achieving high satisfaction ratings from users.

The AI assistant currently aids employees by connecting them to essential forms and instructions for submitting leave applications, removing the necessity to consult managers directly. The next phase of its development involves allowing the AI to undertake functions, such as checking leave balances, thus delivering more personalized feedback.

Technological Innovations and Partnerships

To reach this next stage, Coles is partnering with technology leaders Microsoft and SAP to fuse their systems. This partnership intends to evolve the AI from a knowledge source into a proactive agent, fundamentally altering how leave requests are handled.

In addition to leave management, Coles is investigating further agentic AI applications to enhance workplace productivity. The retailer envisions AI solutions that empower employees to execute their tasks more effectively and efficiently.

Conclusion

Coles Group is leading the integration of agentic AI in its operations, with a focus on automating employee leave booking. This initiative not only promises to enhance HR functions but also has the potential to reshape workplace productivity. Through successful partnerships and ongoing innovation, Coles is setting the foundation for AI-driven efficiency in the retail industry.

Q&A

Q: What is agentic AI and how is it distinct from standard AI?

A: Agentic AI is intended to autonomously perform tasks, making decisions based on its surroundings and data inputs. Unlike conventional AI, which mainly processes and supplies information, agentic AI can carry out decisions and actions.

Q: How has the current AI assistant affected Coles’ operations?

A: The AI assistant has drastically decreased HR-related inquiries by 85%, optimizing communication and enhancing employee satisfaction with quicker replies to common inquiries.

Q: What technology partnerships are involved in this AI development?

A: Coles is collaborating with Microsoft and SAP to integrate their systems, allowing the AI to progress from a knowledge-based assistant to a proactive agent capable of autonomously handling leave requests.

Q: What potential advantages could employees gain from AI productivity tools?

A: AI productivity tools could enable employees to carry out tasks more efficiently, potentially transforming their approach to their roles and improving overall job performance.

Q: Are there additional areas where Coles plans to utilize AI solutions?

A: Yes, Coles is examining various uses of agentic AI beyond leave management, with the goal of enhancing multiple aspects of workplace productivity and operational efficiency.