Walmart Deploys AI Tools to Boost Efficiency, Break Language Barriers, and Streamline Inventory

Walmart’s New AI Tools Simplify Work for Store Associates

Walmart has launched a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support its workforce, targeting smoother workflows, clearer communication, and better inventory management. These tools are integrated into the Walmart associate app and are accessible to about 1.5 million store employees across the U.S.

Greg Cathey, Walmart’s senior vice president of Transformation & Innovation, explains that AI’s full potential is realized when combined with human skills. The company sees this tech not as a small improvement but as a significant change in how work gets done.

AI Helping HR and Task Management

AI is becoming increasingly useful for HR teams, especially smaller ones, by saving time, supporting decisions, and boosting employee engagement.

One key feature Walmart recently rolled out is an AI-driven task management system. It helps store managers and team leads prioritize workloads more efficiently, initially focusing on overnight stocking shifts. This tool has reduced shift planning time from 90 minutes down to 30, with plans to expand to other shifts in selected stores.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

To improve communication, Walmart introduced a real-time translation tool supporting 44 languages. This feature handles both text and speech conversations between associates and customers. It even understands Walmart-specific terminology to ensure accuracy.

Smarter Assistance with Conversational AI

Walmart also enhanced its conversational AI platform, used weekly by over 900,000 associates. The upgrade adds generative AI capabilities that translate complex procedures into simple, step-by-step instructions. For example, it can guide employees through tasks like processing returns without receipts.

Improving Inventory with AR and RFID

In the apparel section, Walmart is testing a system called VizPick. It combines RFID technology with augmented reality to guide associates visually to the apparel items that need restocking. This makes inventory management faster and more precise. The tool is currently in trial but expected to expand.

Technology Built on Walmart’s Own Platform

All these AI tools run on Element, Walmart’s proprietary machine learning platform. Element supports quick deployment and enforces strong data security and governance. Walmart also introduced AI-based tools for corporate employees and merchants to streamline their work.

Balancing In-House AI and External Platforms

Walmart encourages employees to use its internal AI tools but does not forbid the use of external AI platforms, as long as associates avoid sharing private or proprietary information. To protect company data, Walmart monitors AI requests on corporate devices. If any unacceptable activity is detected, security staff engage with the associate in real time to address it.

This approach responds to concerns raised by reports like ones from KPMG, which highlight risks when employees input sensitive company information into public AI systems.

What HR Managers Can Take Away

• AI can drastically reduce time spent on task prioritization and shift planning.
• Real-time translation tools help overcome language barriers within diverse teams and improve customer interactions.
• Conversational AI with generative capabilities can simplify complex processes for frontline workers.
• Integrating technologies like RFID and AR can improve accuracy and speed in inventory management.
• Strong data governance and monitoring are essential to protect proprietary information when using AI.

HR and management professionals looking to implement AI solutions should consider tools that focus on practical efficiency improvements and clear communication support. For those interested in AI training tailored to workplace applications, resources are available at Complete AI Training.