The Rise of AI-Powered “10x Professional” in the Bakery Industry

April 2, 2025

The AI EXPO Taiwan 2025, organized by DIGITIMES, took place from March 26 to 28 at the Taipei Yuanshan Expo Dome. In the opening keynote, Stanford professor and DeepLearning.AI founder Andrew Ng introduced the concept of “10x professional.”

“In software engineering, we’ve long talked about ‘10x engineers’—engineers who are ten times more productive than their peers. Yet, we rarely discuss the idea of ‘10x recruiters,’ ‘10x writers,’ or ‘10x analysts.’”

In many roles, there’s a cap on efficiency, and we can’t get any faster than that. Take bakery cashiers, for example. No matter how skilled they are, the checkout process for unpackaged, barcode-less bakery items remains time-consuming. It’s hard to increase their speed, not to mention increasing the efficiency by ten times.

However, as AI technology becomes more widespread, AI-powered tools are enabling “10x professionals” to break through traditional productivity limits, unlocking new levels of efficiency across industries—including bakeries.

The Rise of “10x Professional”: AI-Powered Efficiency in Bakeries

Both large bakery chains and small independent bakeries can now leverage AI to streamline operations. One such breakthrough is AI-powered image recognition systems, which enable cashiers to process transactions up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.

This AI-driven system has been widely adopted in numerous bakeries across Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Korea, and Malaysia, proving its reliability and efficiency over time. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of integration make it accessible to both large-scale bakery chains and small independent bakeries alike.

By transforming the traditional checkout process, these systems eliminate the need for manual entry into POS systems. Instead, AI quickly and accurately recognizes bakery items, significantly reducing checkout time, minimizing errors, and allowing employees to focus on customer service—enhancing the overall shopping experience.

How AI is Reshaping the Bakery Industry: The Increasing Accessibility of Technology

In the past, technological innovation was primarily driven by large corporations and multinational brands. However, as AI becomes more widespread, small bakery owners can now quickly access powerful technology. These advancements not only enhance production efficiency but also assist with demand forecasting, inventory management, and customer service optimization—such as the AI-powered checkout system mentioned earlier.

With the integration of automated baking equipment and AI technology, the bakery industry is poised to witness the rise of “10x talent.” This shift signals a break from the traditional reliance on manual craftsmanship and years of hands-on experience.

Traditionally, bakeries have relied on skilled artisans with years of expertise. Now, ’10x bakers’—those who harness AI to analyze data and automate processes—have the opportunity to stand out. These professionals can refine recipes, analyze customer preferences, and predict sales trends, all while boosting production efficiency and increasing agility in responding to market changes.”

The future of baking will no longer be defined by labor-intensive processes but by AI-enhanced operations. Employees equipped with AI skills will take the lead, and these “10x bakers” and 10x bakery teams” will drive greater innovation and competitiveness across the industry.

Beyond Checkout: AI’s Expanding Role in Bakery Operations

Innovation in the bakery industry extends beyond checkout optimization. Many bakeries—especially those with an e-commerce presence—are utilizing AI to enhance the customer experience. AI can analyze customers purchase history and preferences to recommend personalized products while also predicting best-selling items based on seasonality, holidays, and weather. This helps bakeries optimize inventory and production planning.

Additionally, AI is playing a growing role in production. Many bakeries are implementing AI systems to track variables such as temperature, humidity, and baking times, ensuring consistent product quality and making sure customers enjoy the same great taste every time.

Redefining Workplace Structure: AI Empowers Employees

At the opening keynote of the Taiwan AI Expo, Andrew Ng emphasizes that AI is transforming traditional corporate structures ¹, and the bakery industry is no exception.

As AI tools become essential for boosting employee efficiency, the conventional “managers decide, employees execute” model is losing its competitive edge. Industries across the board—including bakeries—will increasingly adopt flatter organizational structures, empowering frontline employees to respond quickly to changes and make more agile, data-driven decisions with AI support.

For example, in a bakery that uses AI-powered image recognition systems for checkout, employees can spend more time engaging with customers, gathering valuable feedback, and adjusting sales strategies or product displays accordingly. This shift not only enhances decision-making efficiency but also allows employees to take on a more creative and influential role in their daily work.

The Future of AI and “10x Professional” in the Bakery Industry

AI is reshaping how industries operate and driving efficiency across the board. In this transformation, “10x talent” will be the driving force.

These professionals not only excel in their roles but also know how to leverage AI tools to push the boundaries of innovation and create greater value for both their careers and the businesses they work for.

For bakery owners, embracing AI will significantly contribute to future success. Business leaders must consider how to integrate AI into their operations and decision-making processes, enabling their companies to navigate a competitive market with confidence and unlock new opportunities for growth.

[References]
¹ 〈AI 時代下，傳統組織已死！吳恩達揭示：主管不再是做決策的最佳人選〉經理人 Business Next Media Corp.。https://www.managertoday.com.tw/articles/view/70157.