Case study

One of the world’s largest retailers:Leveraging machine learning and analytics to improve data quality

OpportunityLeveraging the power of machinelearning and global partnerframework to customize anintegrated solution

ActionAn integrated solution of errordetection, correction andprevention

ImpactFlexible and faster testenvironment provisioning forservice delivery excellence

Global leader in retail increases proficiency of data analysis to achieve high efficiencies and cost savings.While data quality maintenance is a top priority for any business, it is more sofor retailers. Effective tracking of operational data and transactions, accuratemaintenance of customers' purchase histories and interactions are criticalfactors for operational efficiency and cost savings. While technology makes iteasy to gather and store data, ensuring its quality and reliability is a challenge.

UST Global enabled one of the world’s largest retailers with global store andsupply chain operations to achieve greater efficiency and cost savings byimproving the accuracy of their inventory and product data.

We developed machine learning and analytics-based solutions to improve theclient’s data quality and establish new data quality rules to sharpen data errordetection and correction. The accuracy of data and the speed at which this isachieved has a strong positive business impact for the client.

USTGlobal ®

INNOVATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYwww.ust-global.com

Case study

Maintaining

accuracy of this

data was

critical to the

success of

the business.

UST Global is a digital technology services company that provides next generation digital solutions for Global 1000 companies. Our mission is to ‘Transform Lives’ using the power of digital technologies and the focus is on digital services and solutions. With a business model of ‘fewer CLIENTS, more ATTENTION’, UST Global strives for excellence in providing our clients with the best service and commitment to long-term client success.

Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, UST Global has over 15,000 associates operating in 25 countries across four continents. For more information please visit: www.ust-global.com

UST Global®, 5 Polaris Way, Aliso Viejo, CA – 92656Phone: (949) 716-8757 Fax: (949) 716-8396All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. UST Global® Copyright © 2011. All Rights Reserved..

USTGlobal ®

INNOVATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYwww.ust-global.com

Opportunity: Leveraging the power of machine learning and global partner framework to customize an integrated solutionThe client, a global leader in retail, withstore and supply chain operations acrossthe world, was expending enormousmanual effort to address operational dataquality. Their massive scale of operations,driven by their global network of storesand a vast range of products, resulted inhuge volumes of data. Maintainingaccuracy of this data was critical to thesuccess of the business. Errors due tomanual operations resulted in significantlosses, misplaced inventory andduplication of effort, besides negativelyimpacting customer service and revenue.

The need was to identify new: Machine learning and analytics based solutions

Data quality rules that would increase data error detection and correction

This would result in accurate inventoryand product data, leading to greaterefficiency and cost savings.

The client chose to partner with USTGlobal based on our retail domainexpertise and deep knowledge of theircore needs and business processes.

Action: An integrated solution of error detection, correction and preventionWe engaged a member of our partnerecosystem, a technology vendor. Wedeployed their unique and powerfulstatistical, multi-modeling, self-learningengine to identify data errors with highprobability and accuracy. We leveraged

this capability to repair and recommendcorrections for data errors.

It became apparent that a tool-onlyapproach would not suffice as a completeand manageable solution. We thereforecreated a tailored application and processwith this unique engine as the centralcomponent.

Our insightful understanding of our client’score needs helped us develop aninnovative solution that went beyond justcreating intelligent data rules. We also setup an automated error detection andcorrection process.

Impact: Flexible and faster testenvironment provisioning for service delivery excellence Speed and data accuracy have been thebiggest advantages. This has had asignificantly positive impact on operationalefficiencies and cost savings. Our clientnow enjoys the following benefits:

High scalability – The cloud-based solution fulfills the increasing demands of the client’s business.

Efficient detection and correction oferrors -The system has identifiedand corrected errors in 30% of therecords in test runs, and filled inmissing data in 5% of the records.

Significant enhancement of dataquality - The ability of the system todetect and correct errors has led toenhanced data quality.