Sofie Theys

AI-powered chatbots are transforming retail, but selecting the right approach can be challenging. Should you rely on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to provide accurate, knowledge-based responses, or embrace Agentic AI for more autonomous, adaptive interactions? This session explores both approaches, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and real-world applications—all within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. Through practical insights and real-world examples, we will examine how Azure-based AI solutions enable chatbot development, comparing the reliability, flexibility, and scalability of each method. We will discuss trade-offs in cost and complexity while showcasing chatbot implementations that have succeeded in retail environments. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to design and deploy AI-driven chatbots on Azure that align with your business goals and customer engagement strategies.