The image features large, bold, black letters spelling out "CONTEXT" against a bright magenta background, with the word split over two lines. This visual is published by Chord, a leading provider of unified data platforms and AI copilots for commerce. It represents the critical need for deep "CONTEXT" within data and AI infrastructure, essential for retailers to derive meaningful insights and make informed decisions from their operational data. Retailers can explore Chord's platform for real-time insights and orchestration to enhance their operational efficiency and decision-making.

The Retail Guide to Data and AI Infrastructure

95% of enterprise AI pilots don't deliver measurable impact. This guide helps retail leaders confidently decide whether to build or buy data and AI.

By Linda Cereda · May 28, 2026

TL;DR

• Commerce teams frequently contend with complex, costly, and fragile technology stacks.

• Most AI pilot failures are due to inadequate foundational infrastructure, not the technology itself.

• This guide helps retail and ecommerce leaders evaluate the true costs and tradeoffs of building data and AI solutions versus buying them.

• It provides a practical framework covering people, technical scope, time, cost, and complexity.

• The core recommendation is to focus internal resources on building unique capabilities and to buy proven solutions that already work.

We created this guide to help you scope the real cost, effort, and tradeoffs of building inhouse vs. buying. It's a practical worksheet designed for retail and ecommerce leaders who need to cut through complexity and make confident decisions.

We'll walk you through:

• People and resourcing

• Technical scope

• Time, cost, and complexity

• Final gut check

With key insights in mind:

• 35% of commerce tech projects fail to meet objectives

• 95% of enterprise AI pilots never deliver measurable impact

• Technical debt adds 1020% overhead to every project

Our take? Build what's unique. Buy what already works. Chord provides a commercenative foundation that's already built, battletested, and AIready so your team can move faster without unnecessary complexity.

This content was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed for accuracy. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, financial, medical, or other regulated advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to their circumstances. The publisher does not guarantee the completeness or applicability of this information to any individual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges faced by commerce teams regarding technology stacks?

Commerce teams often deal with complex, costly, and fragile technology stacks that can hinder their operations and project success.

Why do most AI pilot projects fail?

Most AI pilot failures are attributed to inadequate foundational infrastructure rather than the technology itself, highlighting the importance of a solid technical base.