How retailers are actually modernising their data estate
Four patterns — and what each one really costs
Most retail modernisation programmes are framed as migrations. The ones that work rarely are.
This paper sets out the four patterns we see across retail data estates. Three create a pragmatic path to measurable value. The fourth consumes significant investment before demonstrating any business outcome — and it's the one that looks most like a proper programme plan.
Who this is for
Written for CIOs, CTOs, Heads of IT, and data leaders in retail and consumer businesses who are being asked about AI readiness and want a way to sequence the work that doesn't begin with a platform decision.
If you already have a mature warehouse and a functioning BI estate, this is written for your situation specifically — none of the four patterns assumes you replace it.
