What is a key consideration for a global retailer when choosing between using an end-to-end AI application versus a custom solution for customer engagement?

When a global retailer considers using an end-to-end AI application versus a custom solution for customer engagement, time to market is a crucial factor. An end-to-end AI application typically offers a ready-to-use solution that can be deployed quickly, allowing the retailer to engage customers and respond to market demands faster. This is particularly important in the retail sector, where the ability to act swiftly can provide a competitive advantage, especially during peak seasons or promotional events.

In contrast, a custom solution often requires significant development time, as it involves a tailored approach that needs to be designed, built, and tested from the ground up. While custom solutions may offer more flexibility and specific functionality, they can delay the launch and deployment of customer engagement initiatives. Therefore, for a company looking to maximize responsiveness and leverage technology quickly, time to market stands out as a key consideration.