Staples Brings Watson to Digital Office Assistants

RetailWire – Remember Staple’s “Easy” button marketing campaign? Well now the office supply retailer is making it a reality. Staples is developing a digital assistant with the help of IBM’s Watson that would allow small and medium-sized businesses to manage daily tasks with voice commands. The Staples Easy System looks like its “Easy” button and is about the size of a hockey puck. After pushing the button, users can ask it to order more office supplies or check on an order’s status.

The company also wants the digital assistant to integrate with other smart office devices. For instance, alerting customers when their printer toner is low to easily place a reorder. The Staples Easy System will also feature a mobile app that will allow users the same capabilities as the button. “We want to be the assistant’s assistant,” Staples’ chief digital officer Faisal Masud. Many brands are launching Alexa skills to connect with consumers in their home. Staples sees a future by connecting with consumers at the office. LINK