Instead of relying on manual data entry, the operator has been relying on AI and automation to boost operational efficiency

In South Korea, the operator of the convenience store chain CU, is using a combination of automation and AI to improve employee efficiency and reduce operational risks across its 18,000 stores nationwide.

BGF Retail first started this digitalization initiative in 2022, when it established an automated process for verifying internal and external documents, including contracts and licensing-related documents. Specifically, the firm has been focusing on improving the reliability of internal and external document verification, as well as data processes. This has significantly improved employee work efficiency and risk management, while bolstering business performance and customer trust.

In particular, the recent adoption of AI technology-based intelligent document processing has significantly simplified existing workflows, allowing employees to allocate more time to tasks that add greater value. This stands to its workers and partners approximately 9,500 hours annually.

According to Junyong Park, the firm’s Information System Department Director, the automation and AI adoption has “enabled us to… significantly streamline our business processes, improve accuracy, and elevate the human potential. All of these make our operations more reliable and efficient at the same time.”

Going forward, BGF Retail will continue to explore opportunities to improve customer service, supply chain management, and operational efficiency through the synergy of AI and automation. The organization will work on implementing intelligent document processing in more departments to further improve employee efficiency and productivity, to enhance agility in a highly competitive market environment.

Said Eu Woong Jo, Country Manager, UiPath (Korea), the firm that supplied the business automation and AI solutions: “UiPath is proud to support retail innovators like BGF Retail in innovating and driving business growth with AI and automation,” adding that these technologies can “empower organizations to enhance operational efficiency and achieve sustainable success in a rapidly evolving marketplace where trust and regulatory compliance are mission-critical.”