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Rakuten

Rakuten is a global leader in e-commerce and digital services, serving millions of customers across retail, finance, and technology. Its dedicated research division, the Rakuten Institute of Technology (RIT), focuses on pioneering innovations that enhance customer experience, optimize business operations, and advance AI-driven solutions for the global marketplace. With one of the world’s largest product catalogs and a rapidly expanding user base, Rakuten needed cutting-edge AI systems to unlock insights from massive datasets and deliver more personalized shopping experiences.

Client Challenge

Rakuten manages millions of SKUs across global markets, creating significant challenges in predicting demand, managing inventory, and delivering personalized recommendations. The Institute of Technology set out to:

 

  • Implement AI-driven sales forecasting to better predict product demand.
  • Analyze massive product catalog datasets with advanced machine learning.
  • Improve inventory planning and logistics efficiency.
  • Build a real-time buyer segmentation system for tailored marketing strategies.
  • Ensure data security and compliance with global standards.
  • Enhance decision-making across both merchants and customers with actionable insights.

     

The challenge required a robust AI platform that could process vast amounts of real-time data while delivering accurate, scalable, and secure insights.

ELEK+RIK’s Role and Approach

ELEK+RIK partnered with the Rakuten Institute of Technology to deliver a comprehensive AI analytics and product management platform. Our contributions included end-to-end AI development, integration, and optimization.

Our approach included:

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AI App Development

Built a scalable application layer to integrate AI features into Rakuten’s ecosystem.

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AI Data Analytics

Applied machine learning algorithms to forecast sales trends and optimize inventory.

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Real-Time Buyer Segmentation

Developed dynamic segmentation models to analyze customer purchasing patterns in real time.

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AI Security

Embedded enterprise-grade security and compliance mechanisms to protect sensitive business and consumer data.

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AI Product Management

Collaborated with RIT stakeholders to prioritize features, manage deployment, and align with strategic goals.

Key Platform Features

Sales Forecasting Models

Predicted demand for products across diverse categories and markets.

Real-Time Segmentation

Grouped buyers dynamically based on purchasing behavior and preferences.

AI Data Analytics Dashboard

Visualized trends, KPIs, and inventory insights.

Scalable AI App

Integrated into Rakuten’s broader e-commerce infrastructure.

AI Security & Compliance

Ensured global regulatory adherence and customer trust.

Customer-Centric Recommendations

Enabled merchants to deliver more relevant offers and improve engagement.

Results & Impact

The AI-driven solution helped Rakuten strengthen its position as a leader in digital commerce by:

 

  • Improved Sales Forecast Accuracy — Enabled better planning and reduced stockouts/overstock situations.
  • Optimized Inventory Management — Streamlined supply chain efficiency across global markets.
  • Enhanced Customer Segmentation — Provided merchants with deeper insights into buyer behavior.
  • Increased Personalization — Allowed for more targeted marketing campaigns, boosting customer satisfaction and retention.

     

Future-Proofed Infrastructure — Created a scalable AI framework adaptable for ongoing innovation.

Key Takeaways

This project demonstrates ELEK+RIK’s ability to:

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Deliver AI app development and analytics for large-scale retail platforms.

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Build real-time buyer segmentation tools for personalization.

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Integrate machine learning for sales forecasting in global marketplaces.

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Ensure enterprise AI security and compliance at scale.

Work With an AI Development Partner for Retail & E-Commerce

Looking to apply AI to retail, e-commerce, or customer analytics? ELEK+RIK specializes in AI development, product management, and real-time data analytics for global enterprises. Contact us today to explore how AI can transform your business strategy.