Driving Intelligent Retail: PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT Showcase AI, Data, and Managed Services with Google Cloud

PLDT Enterprise, in collaboration with ePLDT, recently convened top retail executives and technology leaders for the Intelligent Enterprise Workshop for Retail, an executive learning session featuring Google Cloud’s latest AI-powered solutions. The workshop underscored how data-driven insights, AI readiness, and managed services can unlock innovation for retailers, enabling them to transform day-to-day operations—from inventory and supply chain management to customer engagement and omnichannel experiences.

The event brought together decision-makers including CXOs, CMOs, digital transformation leads, and IT managers from leading retail brands in the Philippines. The discussions centered on addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges: fragmented data systems, outdated legacy infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, and the rising need for secure, compliant, and scalable AI-driven data strategies. By grounding the conversation in real-world retail scenarios, the workshop emphasized how modern technologies can personalize the shopping journey while optimizing costs, improving agility, and elevating consumer satisfaction.

A Commitment to Retail Innovation

PLDT Enterprise used the event as a platform to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the evolving demands of the Philippine retail sector. Through ePLDT’s deep expertise in managed services and cloud solutions, the workshop highlighted how businesses can transition from rigid legacy systems to secure, scalable, and future-ready digital ecosystems.

“Today’s smart retailer is embracing a new era of shopping, blending human touch with technology to deliver a more tailored consumer experience,” shared Corinne Funk-Zablan, Customer Relationship Management Head at PLDT Enterprise. She stressed that modern shoppers expect convenience, personalization, speed, and seamless service—expectations that require retailers to rethink how they store, manage, and activate data.

Echoing this perspective, Jerry Dy, Technology Solutions Consultant at ePLDT, explained how managed services accelerate digital transformation in the industry. “In today’s fast-evolving retail landscape, managed services play a critical role in enabling data-driven and AI-powered transformation. By providing scalable infrastructure, continuous optimization, and expert support, managed services empower retailers to focus on innovation—unlocking real-time insights, enhancing customer experiences, and accelerating intelligent decision-making across the enterprise.”

Through the combined strengths of PLDT Enterprise, ePLDT, and Google Cloud, the workshop gave retailers a clear roadmap for building the foundation of an intelligent enterprise—one that is resilient, forward-thinking, and primed for growth.

Real-world AI-powered Use Cases

A central highlight of the event was the showcase of Google Cloud’s integrated data analytics and AI platform, designed to help retailers break down data silos and generate actionable, real-time insights. Live discussions and case studies demonstrated how AI can power mission-critical retail operations, including:

Predictive inventory management that anticipates demand and reduces stockouts or overstocking

AI-driven supply chain optimization that improves accuracy, speed, and cost-efficiency

Personalized customer experiences, both online and in-store, based on real-time behavioral insights

Enhanced store operations using computer vision, recommendation engines, and automated issue detection

These capabilities translate into faster service, stronger customer loyalty, and more resilient operations—key advantages for retailers navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Participants also explored how Google Workspace with Gemini can transform internal collaboration. By automating administrative tasks, generating content, and streamlining workflows, Gemini equips employees to work more efficiently and spend more time on strategic, customer-focused initiatives.

Future-Proofing the Retail Industry

While many retailers recognize the potential of AI, the workshop acknowledged the barriers that continue to hinder widespread adoption—ranging from infrastructure limitations and data quality challenges to rising security risks and skill gaps. The session emphasized that with the support of managed services, modernized data warehousing, and AI-powered analytics, retailers have a clear and achievable path to digital maturity.

By bringing together leaders from across the sector, PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT are helping accelerate the retail industry’s shift toward intelligent, secure, and insight-driven operations. Through continued collaboration, innovation, and capacity-building initiatives, the two companies aim to shape a future where Filipino retailers are more agile, more competitive, and more responsive to the evolving needs of modern consumers.