Death of SaaS as AI redefines shopping experience [Video]

The demand by Kiwi consumers for speed, convenience and experiential shopping may mean that most software-as-a-service solutions, particularly in retail, have passed their ‘use by date’ even before reaching maturity, as AI moves to transform the shopping experience.

Managing Director of eCommerce integration specialists Convergence Mark Presnell predicts that the SaaS market may disappear as quickly as it arrived because it cannot offer best-of-breed functionality in every facet of the retail experience.

“One key issue is the generic nature of many functions, which you get from trying to be everything to everybody. For example, the ecommerce recommendation algorithm – where an eCommerce site makes suggestions like ‘others also bought’ – is essentially ‘dumb’.

“If a customer buys sneakers, the system might recommend another pair rather than suggest complementary products like socks.”

Presnell says the solution lies in more profound, more intelligent integrations.

“Best-of-breed third-party engines utilising AI can significantly enhance …