Artificial intelligence (A)-driven in-store workforce scheduling solution, Orquest, has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Innovation Awards by the Retail Technology Show.
Announced at the BIG Retail Party, RTS’ peer-to-peer networking event that brings the retail community together at the end of Day1 of the show, Orquest took the crown, having been chosen from a shortlist of 10 progressive innovators also selected as finalists as part of the 2024 Innovation Awards programme, which champions best-in-class technologies and solutions.
Each year, the RTS Innovation Awards seek out the foremost examples of future-forward innovation from across the RTS show floor, selecting those disruptive technologies that that can transform retailers’ operations – from building sustainable retailing practices, to next-generation in-store solutions and new retail formats.
Powered by AI, Orquest’s in-store workforce scheduling solution and smart planning capabilities simplify store and HR management processes to improve retail interactions at every level of the business. It enhances retail operational efficiency, fosters frontline team well-being and delivers an optimised customer experience.
With recent RTS research of 1,000 UK shoppers showing the central role that store staff continue to play in consumers’ buying journeys – with more than half (53%)now saying retail workers can either ‘make or break’ the shopping experience – Orquest’s solution, that uses AI to help retailers make every store experience count, impressed the Innovation Awards judging panel.
Made up of members of the RTS Advisory Board, as well as independent industry analysts and influencers, including Redline Retail’s Andrew Busby, the RTS 2024 Innovation Awards judging panel were impressed by the ability of the solution to deliver tangible benefits to the retail business, its workforce and its customers. RTS Innovation Award Judge and Chairman of Retail Connections, Chris Field, commented: “Given the scale of wage inflation in recent years that has ramped up retailers’ operational costs, much higher recognition of the key role of staff in delivering the experience that customers crave, as well as the need for staff to collaborate more effectively, Orquest clearly recognised the urgent need for a solution that could meet all of these objectives.”
Matt Bradley, Event Director at the Retail Technology Show, commented: “With 2024 being our biggest ever technology showcase, with over 400 innovators and tech providers exhibiting at RTS 2024, the quality in this year’s award submissions made for a competitive field. Many congratulation to all our finalists and, of course, to our worthy winners, Orquest, who’s solution that empower retail’s frontline workers stood out against stiff competition.”
Pilar di Prisco, Key Account Manager UK at Orquest, commented: “Being recognised and selected as the 2024 RTS Innovation Award winner means a lot – especially since this is our first year as an exhibitor. Having visited the show for years, we understand its significance as the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technology like ours. It’s a testament to the dedication of our team and trust of our valued clients. We’ve long believed in the power of empowering retail workforces though our AI solution, and this award reaffirms the impact of our efforts. Retailers recognise that an empowered workforce not only enhances employee wellbeing and productivity but also drives operational effectiveness, delivering the exceptional retail experiences customers crave.”
