Case study

Demystified AI, Amplified Results

At Baseline, we translate the complexity of artificial intelligence into practical, accessible solutions. Our expertise comes to life through hands-on applications that directly address today’s business challenges.

These case studies highlight how we’ve transformed advanced analytical models into powerful decision-making tools, turned raw data into strategic insights, and automated complex processes to unlock the full human and technological potential of our clients.

Each project demonstrates our commitment: making artificial intelligence not only understandable, but truly usable for your organization.

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Librairie Martin

Case Study: Baseline × Librairie Martin

AI Supporting Quebec Bookstores

In collaboration with SaaSpasse

Our Client

Librairie Martin, founded in Joliette, is a well-known name in book retail across Quebec. Faced with the challenges of managing a massive inventory (over 30,000 titles per branch) and difficulties recruiting specialized staff in remote areas, the company was seeking an innovative solution to improve customer service.

Slim, their management software created by booksellers for booksellers, centralizes inventory, ordering, and customer loyalty management. However, one key element was missing to address the current market realities.

The Challenge

  • Overwhelming volume: 36,000 new books published each year in the Francophonie
  • Rapid turnover: Between 5,000 and 7,000 new books to integrate each week
  • Scarce expertise: Difficulty finding experienced booksellers, especially in rural areas
  • High expectations: Customers expecting personalized and precise advice

 

How can we empower staff, even those with limited expertise, to provide relevant and high-quality recommendations from such a vast inventory?

 

Our Approach

At Baseline, we turn AI promises into tangible results. For Librairie Martin, our process unfolded over several key phases:

  1. Exploration and Ideation Phase
    • Brainstorming sessions to identify AI integration opportunities
    • Validation of the technical and economic feasibility of proposed solutions
    • Definition of measurable objectives and a clear roadmap
  2. Design Phase
    • Development of a "virtual bookseller" based on a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture
    • Integration with the existing inventory system (Slim)
    • Design of an intuitive interface for employees
  3. Testing and Validation Phase
    • Deployment in a first branch for real-world testing
    • Adjustments based on field feedback
    • Optimization of performance and recommendation accuracy
  4. Implementation Phase
    • Staff training on how to use the new tool
    • Integration with RFID technology for a seamless experience
    • Setup of maintenance and continuous improvement mechanisms

The Solution: An Intelligent Virtual Bookseller

The system we developed allows Librairie Martin employees to:

  • Instantly access relevant recommendations based on customer queries
  • Quickly identify books in stock that match the expressed needs
  • Avoid frustration by only suggesting titles physically available in-store
  • Offer expert-level service without needing to know the entire catalogue

The major innovation: the system only suggests books that are physically in stock, eliminating customer disappointment and maximizing immediate sales.

Tangible Results

"Thanks to the integration of AI, I’ve been able to sell books I probably wouldn’t have sold otherwise, and I can prove it beyond a doubt." - Luc Ayotte, Librairie Martin

Some concrete examples demonstrate the impact of our solution:

  • Increased sales: Books that would have stayed on the shelves are now being sold
  • Continued service: On Father’s Day, without the usual expert staff member, the system enabled the sale of three specialized books
  • Improved customer experience: Clients receive relevant recommendations even when staff are unfamiliar with certain titles
  • Resource optimization: Less reliance on experts for daily recommendations

Lessons Learned

This collaboration strengthened several of our convictions:

  1. AI is not an end but a means – It must solve a real, measurable problem
  2. Humans remain central – Technology enhances staff capabilities without replacing them
  3. Preparation is key – Taking the time to understand needs before development is essential
  4. Flexibility pays off – Prioritizing features that bring immediate value is crucial

Client Testimonial

"When David from Baseline approached me, his first question was: ‘Do you know much about artificial intelligence?’ It was a topic we kept hearing about, but I’d never really explored its potential. [...] At the beginning, we brainstormed several ideas, and each time, David came back with a clear answer: ‘We can do it.’ That confidence and ability to always find a solution convinced me he was the right person to work with."
— Luc Ayotte, Librairie Martin

Next Steps

The collaboration between Baseline and Librairie Martin continues with:

  • Expansion of deployment to other branches
  • API development to connect more bookstores to the system
  • Continuous optimization of the recommendation algorithms
  • Support in scaling up commercial deployment

Our Partnership with SaaSpasse

This case study was originally featured on the website of our partner SaaSpasse,

Quebec’s go-to resource for SaaS and the local tech ecosystem.

SaaSpasse and Baseline share the same vision: highlighting tech innovations that generate real results for local businesses. Our collaboration allows us to document and share best practices for AI integration in Quebec SMEs.

We thank the SaaSpasse team for their support and for helping promote Quebec’s tech success stories.

About Baseline

Founded in Quebec City in 2020, Baseline is a cooperative specializing in artificial intelligence that transforms AI promises into concrete results for SMEs. Our team supports companies at every stage of their digital transformation.

Our philosophy: We don’t start with the technology to find a problem — we start with your problem and find the right technology to solve it.

Facing a similar challenge?

AI isn’t just a buzzword. In the right hands, it becomes a real growth lever. Contact us to discuss how we can turn your challenges into opportunities.

Book a meeting with our team

Read the original article of SaaSpasse

 

 

 

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