Technology & Innovation                                                     

 

In today’s rapidly evolving world, technological advancements and innovations are continuously reshaping consumer lifestyles and demands. The increasing emphasis on rapid and convenient access to products and services has driven a growing reliance on online purchasing platforms. At the same time, global megatrends including climate change, pandemic-related crises, resource management challenges and shifts in societal behaviors are emerging. These trends have heightened consumer concerns about health, environmental sustainability and ethical business practices.

As part of BJC’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, leveraging technology and innovation is essential to navigating these dynamic changes. The positive impacts of such advancements are extensive. They drive economic growth by enhancing competitive advantage, fostering job creation and ensuring long-term business resilience. They also improve product and service quality, support consumer health and reduce environmental degradation by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable resource use through circular economy principles.
 

However, these changes also pose potential challenges. The rapid digitalization of commerce may widen economic inequality by disadvantaging small businesses and workers lacking digital skills, leading to job displacement in traditional retail sectors. Increased reliance on e-commerce and rapid delivery services may exacerbate environmental concerns, such as excessive packaging waste, carbon emissions from logistics and resource depletion.
 

Additionally, the use of emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, raises concerns over consumer privacy, data security and ethical labor practices. BJC remains committed to addressing these challenges responsibly by prioritizing human rights, fair labor practices and equitable access to sustainable solutions. By integrating environmental, social and economic considerations into its business strategies, BJC strives to foster a sustainable future where all communities can thrive, ensuring no one is left behind.

 

Technology & Innovation Management Approach

BJC is deeply committed to leveraging technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development. The company consistently pioneers advanced strategies to address environmental, social and economic challenges, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, resilience and long-term value creation. This commitment is reflected in initiatives that utilize innovation to minimize environmental impact, optimize resource efficiency and promote sustainable business practices. Through the adoption of advanced digital solutions, automation and research-driven innovations, BJC continuously enhances its operations while fostering inclusive growth for the communities it serves.

By embedding technology at the core of its sustainability strategy, BJC reinforces its role as an industry leader, ensuring responsible growth while creating meaningful, lasting value for all stakeholders. BJC adopts a comprehensive and well-structured framework for managing technology and innovation, ensuring that its practices align with its sustainability goals and long-term business strategy. This approach focuses on key areas that drive progress, enhance operational efficiency and deliver value to stakeholders.

 

Innovation Framework

BJC adopts a comprehensive and well-structured framework for managing technology and innovation, ensuring that its practices align with its sustainability goals and long-term business strategy. This approach focuses on key areas that drive progress, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver value to stakeholders.

• Leadership in Sustainable Innovation/Technology
• Research and Development Focus
• Risk Assessment and Performance Evaluation
• Fostering a Culture of Innovation

 

 

 

Through this comprehensive framework, BJC demonstrates its unwavering commitment to leveraging technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainability and operational excellence. These efforts not only position the company as a leader in its industry but also ensure its continued relevance and success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Definition: Innovation

Innovation is the creation, development and implementation of new products, services or processes, with the aim of improving operational efficiency, and effectiveness, allowing for the creation and development of new business opportunities, resulting in competitive advantage. 

 

BJC Tranformation Center

BJC has established a Transformation Office tasked with reviewing the operations of each business unit (BU). This office identifies opportunities for improvement, streamlines processes, and recommends revised or new operational approaches that save time, optimize resources, and enhance productivity. Moreover, BJC continues to advance its retail operations by integrating omnichannel platforms, seamlessly connecting online and offline channels to provide customers with a unified shopping experience and improve sales tracking. These initiatives reflect BJC’s unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence, driving long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

 

Technology & Innovation Initiatives in 2024

With a commitment to leveraging technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainability and operational excellence in 2024, the highlights of these initiatives are as follows:

 

1. Innovation Research and Development Center

             Sustainable Packaging

BJC has established Innovation Research and Development Centers across its business units to drive the advancement of cutting-edge technologies and innovations in packaging solutions. This initiative underscores BJC’s steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable packaging by prioritizing environmentally friendly raw materials and developing lightweight, highly recyclable materials. These efforts align with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-conscious packaging solutions.

To drive this initiative, the company has identified two primary goals:

1. Reducing Packaging Waste

Transitioning to recyclable and reusable plastics or materials to significantly minimize environmental impact.

2. Engaging and Educating Stakeholders

Actively involving employees and stakeholders in adopting eco-friendly packaging practices through targeted supervision and education, fostering a collective drive toward sustainability.

• TGI: Reduced Weight project : Collaborating with customers to research and design lightweight glass bottles, utilizing the Narrow Neck Press and Blow (NNPB) forming process. This approach reduces the amount of raw material required for production and lowers transportation costs due to reduced product weight. It is estimated that this method reduces GHG emissions by an average of 0.026 kgCO₂ per bottle.

 

• TBC: STAR can project : TBC conducted research and development to optimize aluminum can design, reducing the thickness to 0.240 mm. This enhancement achieves an 8% weight reduction per can, leading to an estimated reduction in GHG emissions of 4.9–6.3% gCO₂ per can.

 

• RIL: Recyclable packaging project
• Developed DMP packaging using 100% recyclable plastic, achieving an annual cost saving of 0.3 million Baht. The fully recyclable DMP packaging equates to 6.2 tons per year, with a 15% reduction in plastic usage. This initiative also reduces GHG emissions by 1.6 tCO₂eq.
• Implemented paper packaging reduction initiatives, including optimizing the cutting dimensions of soap wrappers, switching from bond paper to art paper, reducing the thickness of cosmetic product cartons from 5 layers to 3 layers and rearranging products in cartons from vertical to horizontal alignment to reduce carton size. These measures achieved an annual cost saving of 4.8 million Baht, reduced paper usage by 27 tons per year and reduced GHG emissions by 39 tCO₂e.
• RIL: Plastic Packaging Reduction
• Developed and redesigned refill pouches for Parrot shower cream to reduce plastic and packaging usage. Additionally, optimized the design to decrease the weight of dmp plastic bottles. These initiatives achieved a total annual cost saving of 0.84 million Baht, reduced plastic usage by 35.83 tons per year, and lowered overall GHG emissions by 235 tCO₂e.

 

 

2. Investments in innovation or R&D to decrease energy consumption

• TGI: AI Furnace

TGI has developed a glass melting furnace that integrates AI technology to precisely control furnace temperature, reduce energy consumption, and enhance glass quality. The AI system optimizes the fuel-to-air ratio to lower greenhouse gas emissions while monitoring the quality of finished products to minimize waste and improve overall production efficiency. This innovation enhances sustainability and operational efficiency in the glass industry, with an estimated annual energy cost saving of approximately 2.5 million baht.

• BJF: Heat recovery

BJF is installing recovery equipment to capture heat emitted from fryers used for heating frying oil. This system is expected to save natural gas costs for the chip production process by 2.44 million Baht per year and reduce GHG emissions by 254.18 tCO₂e annually.

 

3. BigC PLUS Application: Online to Offline (O2O)

Big C PLUS is an enhanced online shopping app by Big C Supercenter that combines shopping and loyalty features in one place. It uses AI-driven big data to deliver personalized coupons, discounts, and offers. With 1,700+ physical stores serving as fulfillment centers, it ensures efficient delivery and unites online and offline experiences.

The app simplifies point collection and redemption, offering seamless integration with the Big Point rewards program.

In 2024, Big C partnered with Muang Thai Broker’s gettgo to add an in-app online insurance purchase option, making it easy for customers to browse and buy policies directly through Big C PLUS.

 

 

Innovation for Society and the Environment

 

Climate Technology Collaboration

BJC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bangkok Industry Gas Co.Ltd., a leader in industrial gas innovation and greenhouse gas reduction technology. This collaboration aims to explore the feasibility of integrating hydrogen-powered forklifts into BJC’s operations, which span across upstream, midstream, and downstream business sectors. By adopting this sustainable solution, BJC seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance long-term business sustainability. This initiative marks the first study on the use of hydrogen forklifts in Thailand’s retail sector.

 

 

Healthcare Innovation

As part of its strategic focus on advancing medical innovation within the healthcare sector, BJC has been appointed as the official distributor of the At-Home Kidney Disease Screening Test Kit (ALBII). Developed by a team of physicians and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with public and private sector partners, this self-screening kit is designed to detect microalbuminuria—the presence of albumin protein in urine—an early indicator of chronic kidney disease. Early detection enables timely medical intervention and preventive care, helping to safeguard long-term kidney health.

By providing a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective solution for individuals to monitor their kidney health without the need for hospital visits, the ALBII test kit aligns with BJC’s commitment to Nurturing Sustainable Living for All. This initiative reinforces our vision of fostering a sustainable future where every community prospers, and no one is left behind.

 

 

Innovation Culture

BJC is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of innovation and empowering employees to contribute valuable, creative ideas through structured training, practical implementation, and idea generation. This commitment is realized through the Innovation Hub, a platform designed to harness employees' creativity and transform their insights into actionable projects that drive business growth and professional development.

This initiative promotes internal innovation, facilitates knowledge exchange, and establishes best practices to enhance operational efficiency, minimize redundant tasks, and improve organizational agility in response to the evolving global market landscape. Ultimately, it seeks to cultivate a culture of innovation in which both leadership and employees actively collaborate to deliver meaningful value to the organization and society.

 

Technology and Innovation Training in 2024

Generative AI Series

BJC is launching the Generative AI Series to enhance employees' ability to apply AI effectively across all levels, fostering innovation and maintaining competitiveness.

Key Objectives:

• Lifelong Learning: Encouraging continuous skill development.
• Efficiency: Enhancing productivity through AI tools.
• Innovation: Embedding AI into workflows for a competitive edge.

Program Benefits:

• In-depth AI knowledge and practical applications.
• Improved efficiency and decision-making.
• AI-driven creativity and business growth.

Workshops:

1. ChatGPT: Embracing AI & Unleashing Your Potential for The Future Challenges. This session highlights the transformative impact of Generative AI, fostering knowledge sharing and discussions on its relevance in the current business landscape.
2. ChatGPT for People Management. Aimed at HR professionals and management teams, this workshop explores how AI tools can support human resource management, including employee engagement and decision-making.
3. Unlocking Business Potential with Generative AI. This session focuses on marketing and sales professionals, offering insights into leveraging AI for strategic planning, customer engagement, and innovative marketing solutions.
4. Generative AI for Finance and Accounting. Tailored for financial and accounting professionals, this workshop covers practical applications of AI in financial analysis, forecasting, and decision-making.
5. Unlock The Ultimate AI Tools x10. A flagship course aligned with BJC's Training Roadmap, designed to equip employees with a wide array of practical AI tools to improve daily work efficiency, problem-solving, and innovation.
6. ChatGPT for Business Mastery. A specialized course for Big C, focusing on leveraging ChatGPT and other AI tools to enhance customer service, retail operations, and business process optimization.
7. Generative AI for Productivity Improvement. Tailored for Big C employees, this program emphasizes practical AI applications for improving operational productivity, reducing repetitive tasks, and streamlining workflows.
8. Generative AI in Practice. A hands-on course aimed at Big C teams, enabling participants to apply AI in real-life retail scenarios, from customer interaction to internal operations.
9. Generative AI Assistant. Developed for Big C teams, this program focuses on creating AI-powered virtual assistants to support day-to-day tasks, customer engagement, and operational efficiency.
10. AI for Smart Manufacturing — A targeted course for TGI and TMG factory employees, focusing on deploying AI technologies in manufacturing processes to optimize production, quality control, predictive maintenance, and energy management.

Total Participants: 723

This initiative underscores BJC’s commitment to workforce development and sustainable innovation.

 

 

Lean Six Sigma Green Belts

BJC’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belts Program enhances employees' ability to solve complex production issues, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement.

Program Overview:

• Duration: 176 hours (12-day workshops, 8-day project implementation, 2-day evaluation).
• Key Tools: SMED, ECRS, Line Balancing, DOE, SPC, Minitab.

Impactful Projects:

• • Reduced machine breakdowns & improved reliability (TGI).
  • Optimized batch processes for energy efficiency (TGI).
  • Improved product consistency by reducing deviations (TMG).
  • Enhanced inventory management with stock analysis (TGI).
  • Increased machinery capacity for higher output (CPC).

Total Participants: 149

This program reinforces BJC’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable business growth.

 

 

The Next AI Hackathon 2024

BJC launched The Next AI Hackathon to drive innovation and AI integration, running from May to September 2024. Employees from all units participated in expert-led learning sessions and developed groundbreaking AI solutions.

Winning Projects:

 1st Place – DC Smart AI: Streamlined customer service, reducing 1,500+ daily emails.

2nd Place – BearBuddy AI: 24/7 AI shopping assistant for enhanced customer support.

3rd Place – AI Biggy: In-store AI assistant for faster product searches and multilingual support.

Total Participants: 13 teams, 52 employees

This initiative showcased BJC’s commitment to cross-functional collaboration and AI-driven growth.

 

 

Technology and Innovation Awards in 2024

 

BigC received the Future Trends Corporates Awards in the Most Innovative category, recognizing its leadership in innovative creativity.

 

 

BigC won the 2024 ASEAN Enterprise Innovation Award in the Data and AI category at the ASEAN Innovation Business Platform (AIBP) Conference and Exhibition.

 

 

BigC has been honored with two Silver Awards at the Thailand HR Innovation Award 2024, presented by the Personnel Management Association of Thailand (PMAT). The awards recognize excellence in HR innovation in the following initiatives:

• Employee Journey for New Business (Donjai)
• 1-on-1 Coaching to Drive High Leadership Performance

 

 

This achievement reflects Big C's commitment to HR innovation and talent development. As part of BJC, the company aims to integrate innovation into its operations, enabling employees to learn, adapt, and strengthen their capabilities in alignment with the company’s growth.