Key learnings from the discussion between Matthieu Grymonprez, Global CDO & CIO of Adeo, and Guillaume Léger, Consulting Director at Artefact, at the Adopt AI Summit by Artefact - June 5, 2024
About Matthieu Grymonprez: He an alumnus of the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique, currently CDO & CIO of Adeo. With a strong background in engineering and technology, he led significant projects in software development, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. His strategic vision and innovative solutions have enhanced the technological capabilities and operational efficiencies of his organizations, driving impactful advancements and digital strategies at Adeo.
About Adeo: Adeo Group is a global leader in home improvement and DIY, serving over 505 million customers annually through 1,000 stores in 21 countries. Known for brands like Leroy Merlin and Bricoman, Adeo focuses on making homes positive and sustainable places to live.
Current use of AI in Adeo
AI is integrated into various business lines including supply chain management and customer experience. In the supply chain, AI is used to score providers and optimize pallet registration. On the customer side, AI ranks products on the website and enhances product descriptions and modelization for registration.
“AI is pivotal for our strategy, driving both operational efficiency and customer engagement through innovative solutions.”Matthieu Grymonprez, Global CDO & CIO of Adeo
Organizational structure for AI implementation
Adeo uses a “hub and spoke” model for aAI integration. A central global data team handles data engineering, data science, and analytics, setting frameworks and choosing technologies. Local business units and platforms have their own data scientists and analysts who utilize these frameworks to add value to products. This decentralized approach ensures that AI initiatives are closely aligned with product needs.
Addressing challenges of AI in production
AI implementation faces the “proof of concept” effect where initial development is easy, but production and business transformation are challenging. Adeo ensures that AI projects bring value in production by considering the total cost of ownership from the start. Continuous monitoring and updating of machine learning models are essential to maintain effectiveness and value creation. Adeo emphasizes the importance of treating machine learning models as digital products requiring constant oversight and management.
Fostering innovation and skills development
Adeo focuses on attracting and retaining talented data scientists and AI engineers by providing them with freedom and opportunities to innovate. The company prefers developing AI capabilities in-house rather than relying on external solutions, ensuring better integration and maintenance. Teams are encouraged to train and grow internally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Approach to AI factories
Adeo does not believe in centralized AI factories, instead integrating AI capabilities within every product and team. A central framework team provides guidance and maintains standards, but does not produce AI solutions directly. This decentralized approach ensures that AI remains relevant and competitive across all products and business processes.
