Officeworks has been recognised as one of Australia’s ‘most innovative companies’ in the AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List for 2019.

 

Officeworks was ranked tenth on the overall list, from more than 1000 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand, with a submission based on a voice assistant pilot program which enabled customers to shop with the retailer using voice technology.

 

The annual list is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australian innovation consultancy Inventium, in conjunction with a panel of industry experts. Nominees are ranked based on innovation culture, strategy, resources and process that demonstrate a sustainable and repeatable approach to innovation.

 

After being the first big box retailer in Australia to launch Google Assistant, Officeworks partnered with Google to identify an opportunity to leverage the technology further to assist customer service.

 

Customers could use the Officeworks voice assistant to order by simply saying, "OK Google" followed by the product categories they required, such as paper, water, coffee and toner.

 

Officeworks then sent preferred products in the quantity customers desired at their preferred delivery time.

 

Officeworks managing director, Sarah Hunter, said: “We have a history of innovation and listening to our customers, being responsive to their needs. This means we’ve always stayed on top in terms of our range and relevance. We put ourselves where we believe they expect us to be, whether that’s online, in store, or with new technologies such as voice.”