Category management AI: Creating lasting advantage
The DotActiv AI Lab is a selective, CEO-led co-innovation programme. We partner with a limited number of retailers and suppliers on high-impact category problems. Successful projects deliver measurable commercial results for you and advance our product roadmap.
We run only a small number of concurrent projects, so every engagement receives senior attention and produces real strategic value.
30+ Countries
AI tools (Nova, Lola, TrueView) in daily production use.
Global Bureau
Continuously refined inside our global Service Bureau.
Proven Methodology
Structured Idea Testing & a clear commercial path.
Some of our featured clients:
We run only a small number of concurrent projects, so every engagement receives senior attention and produces real strategic value.
30+ Countries
AI tools (Nova, Lola, TrueView) in daily production use.
Global Bureau
Continuously refined inside our global Service Bureau.
Proven Methodology
Structured Idea Testing & a clear commercial path.
Why This Exists
Rethinking AI Co-Innovation in Retail & CPG
- Partners gain early capability & first-mover advantage. DotActiv gains validated product direction.
- This is not free consulting—it is focused co-development for lasting advantage.
- The Status Quo
Most AI budgets in retail and CPG are still spent on pilots that never reach the shelf or on tools that give every competitor the same capability.
Result: High effort, low strategic edge.
- The DotActiv AI Lab Approach
DotActiv partners with selected organisations to co-develop practical AI solutions for complex category management challenges.
Focus: Structured, senior-led, and commercially serious.
The Problems We Prioritise
Apparel & Hybrid Space
Planning logic where traditional CPG fails.
Consumer Decision Trees
Linked to AI merchandising & capacity logic.
Zero-Base Planograms
Multi-format generation at scale.
Assortment Optimisation
Space optimisation under real constraints.
Closed-Loop Compliance
Compliance +
Image Recognition +
Performance
Automated Support
Materially reduces planner effort.
We only take on challenges that are commercially urgent for you AND strategically valuable for our product roadmap.
If the problem is high-stakes, data can be made available, and solving it would give you a meaningful edge, it is worth a conversation.
HOW WE WORK
The Co-Development Pathway
- Phase 1 – Validation & Alignment
Virtual scoping workshops. We define the business problem, commercial value and proposed solution direction. First structured Idea Testing with your key stakeholders.
- Phase 2 – Planning & Specification
Detailed software and service specifications, user flows and operational requirements. Second Idea Testing and formal sign-off before significant development begins.
- Phase 3 – Development & Prototype
Build to the approved specification. Sandbox validation using your (masked) data. Third Idea Testing and executive milestone review. This phase moves onto a paid innovation footing.
- Phase 4 – Live Pilot & Commercial Transition
Controlled live deployment, measurement against agreed KPIs, and transition into a full enterprise relationship where success criteria are met.
Work is executed by a dedicated high-capability team from both sides. Senior DotActiv leadership remains directly involved throughout.
HOW WE WORK
The Co-Development Pathway
- Phase 1 – Validation & Alignment
Virtual scoping workshops. We define the business problem, commercial value and proposed solution direction. First structured Idea Testing with your key stakeholders.
- Phase 2 – Planning & Specification
Detailed software and service specifications, user flows and operational requirements. Second Idea Testing and formal sign-off before significant development begins.
- Phase 3 – Development & Prototype
Build to the approved specification. Sandbox validation using your (masked) data. Third Idea Testing and executive milestone review. This phase moves onto a paid innovation footing.
- Phase 4 – Live Pilot & Commercial Transition
Controlled live deployment, measurement against agreed KPIs, and transition into a full enterprise relationship where success criteria are met.
Work is executed by a dedicated high-capability team from both sides. Senior DotActiv leadership remains directly involved throughout.
WHAT PARTNERS RECEIVE & IP FRAMEWORK
What Partners Receive
Strategic & Commercial Benefits
- Early capability their competitors do not yet have.
- Direct influence on solution design through structured Idea Testing.
- Clear commercial progression from discovery to paid innovation to enterprise.
- Transparent IP framework: you retain full ownership of your data and business logic; DotActiv retains ownership of the underlying software and models.
- Option for limited competitive exclusivity on the co-developed solution (negotiated case-by-case).
- A production-ready solution rather than a prototype left on the shelf.
You retain full ownership of your data and business logic. DotActiv retains ownership of the underlying software and models. Option for limited competitive exclusivity available
WHAT PARTNERS RECEIVE & IP FRAMEWORK
What Partners Receive
Strategic & Commercial Benefits
- Early capability their competitors do not yet have.
- Direct influence on solution design through structured Idea Testing.
- Clear commercial progression from discovery to paid innovation to enterprise.
- Transparent IP framework: you retain full ownership of your data and business logic; DotActiv retains ownership of the underlying software and models.
- Option for limited competitive exclusivity on the co-developed solution (negotiated case-by-case).
- A production-ready solution rather than a prototype left on the shelf.
You retain full ownership of your data and business logic. DotActiv retains ownership of the underlying software and models. Option for limited competitive exclusivity available
WHO THIS IS FOR & CEO SPOTLIGHT
Who This Is For
Ideal Partner Fit
- Real budget for AI / Digital / Space.
- Complex category planning problems.
- Can commit senior stakeholders & data.
- Want structured, high-accountability partnership over a vendor pilot.
High-ticket projects are deliberately limited to maintain quality.
CEO Perspective
"We deliberately limit the number of concurrent co-development projects, so each one receives proper senior focus and advances both the client's competitive position and our product roadmap."
— Kyle Dorfling
CEO, DotActiv
Apply for a DotActiv AI Lab Co-Development Project
FAQs
Is the early phase free?
Initial validation and specification work are structured as mutual investment. Development and customisation move onto a paid innovation footing before significant engineering begins.
How many projects do you run at once?
We typically limit concurrent high-ticket co-development projects so quality and strategic focus remain high.
Who owns the IP?
You retain full ownership of your data and business logic. DotActiv retains ownership of the software architecture, code and models. Limited exclusivity on the co-developed solution can be negotiated.
Do we need to be an existing customer?
Existing customers are preferred. Strong strategic fit and available budget from non-customers will be considered.