The role of Machine Learning in shaping the eCommerce industry
The evolution and expansion of the global eCommerce industry has been made possible owing to the convenience that it presents to the users. From the comforts of their homes, people are able to purchase anything they want from an online store. What makes it even better is the variety that they get in just one type of product! Added to this are a secure payment system and timely delivery of the purchased goods. Over time, this industry has become instrumental in taking over the conventional brick and mortar retail stores as far as the revenue and reach are concerned.
There are several factors that have made this possible. From accessibility of portable devices to reasonable prices, the whole avenue has grown to a major phenomenon. One of the other key features which make the eCommerce industry so popular is the implementation of the latest technology. AI in eCommerce is one such trend that is enhancing the whole customer experience and making the buying process a delight. As a part of AI, Machine Learning has also contributed to the said business model. It is a set of algorithms that gather data and allow machines to think and act like human beings.
So, as an eCommerce development company, why should you focus on Machine Learning? Here are the reasons for the same:
The significance of Machine Learning in eCommerce technology
- Offering customized product recommendations to buyers
- Suggestions in search
Customer support
Dynamic pricing
Enhanced inventory management
Custom app development
Most of the big eCommerce companies like Amazon and Flipkart offer product recommendations to individual customers based on their purchase history. Using Artificial Intelligence tools such as Machine Learning, the algorithms present the best products for the said buyer as soon as the website is opened. This adds value to the whole buying process as it saves time and effort.
This is another value add. Based on history, advancements in eCommerce technology can offer the best suggestions to customers. A number of factors such as demographics, customer preferences, and the most-used search habits can lead to the best search recommendations. There can be a number of choices in a single product variety. Zeroing on the particular brand and type based on the customers’ needs goes a long way with their satisfaction.
Chatbots are able to provide 24/7 customer support to buyers. Speech recognition and natural language processing is a very useful part of Machine Learning that makes the interaction more human-like and helps customers with their specific questions at any point in time. Chatbots have been extensively used by buyers to help them select the perfect product as well.
Certain products are priced high during specific periods of time and low in other instances. The change in the prices based on the demand for these products is defined as dynamic pricing. When the demand is higher, the prices go up and vice versa. This is not a human effort. eCommerce websites rely on Artificial Intelligence to make this possible.
The data collected over a period of time on certain products and their demand can lead to better inventory management. Forecasting becomes easier and the production, storage, and distribution of said products happen on time, allowing the customers to get them whenever they want them, without having to wait.
Everything in eCommerce Technology is about customizing the whole buying process and ensuring that the users have the best experience so that they return for more. As stated earlier, apps have made eCommerce websites even more popular owing to their portability. So, with the help of custom app development, eCommerce companies are able to offer an awesome purchasing experience every time a user visits their app. Many establishments that offer eCommerce development services are experts in creating custom apps based on the needs of the target market.
Conclusion
The use of enterprise eCommerce platforms like Magento Commerce, Shopify, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, and Core DNA, to name a few, has been successful in the creation of the best eCommerce websites. In order to stay afloat in this hugely competitive market, eCommerce development companies should make the most of these technologies and create websites that are customer-centric. When users feel important and valued when they shop on a particular website, they will come back for more and even recommend it to their friends/family; thus increasing its visibility.