Starbucks Isn’t a Coffee Business — It’s a Data Tech Company

They are a textbook example of how to strategically use data to stay competitive

Was Rahman
Marker

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Photo: SOPA Images/Getty Images

SStarbucks doesn’t simply sell huge numbers of hot and cold drinks around the world — it also gathers huge amounts of data from over 100 million transactions a week. How does it use this data? And what role do A.I. and the internet of things (IoT) play in this?

The way Starbucks uses data and modern technology for competitive advantage is instructive for all businesses, regardless of size. For example, it’s a pioneer in combining loyalty systems, payment cards, and mobile apps. But that just scratches the surface.

This article highlights five of the most interesting examples of how Starbucks uses data, A.I., and IoT for competitive advantage. They suggest there might be a compelling argument that Starbucks is no longer a coffee business, but is now a data technology company in the food and beverage space.

Starbucks demonstrates the relationship between data, technology, and business better than most

Starbucks is not short on data. It has over 30,000 stores worldwide and completes close to 100 million transactions per week. This gives it a…

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Was Rahman
Marker
Writer for

CEO of AI research & consulting firm AI Prescience. Author of “AI & Machine Learning” (SAGE). 30+ years experience using data & technology to improve business.