Asda plans to prioritise the conversion of IT systems in smaller stores, including convenience outlets, during the festive season, to minimise disruption.
- The initiative is part of ‘Project Future’, aimed at severing ties with Walmart’s systems by transitioning over 2,500 systems.
- The transition involves approximately 850 sites, focusing on smaller supermarkets and petrol stations.
- Asda’s major store conversions will resume post-Christmas to manage peak-period complexities.
- The initiative promises enhanced operational capabilities and improved data handling for Asda.
Asda is focusing on converting IT systems in its smaller stores for the rest of the year, particularly during the Christmas period, to prevent disruptions during this high-traffic time.
This conversion initiative is a crucial part of Asda’s ‘Project Future’, termed the largest systems implementation programme in Europe.
The initiative involves transitioning over 2,500 systems from Asda’s previous owner, Walmart. According to Asda, these changes will provide “the best systems in the grocery sector”.
The focus for the remainder of the year will be on converting systems in approximately 850 sites, including petrol stations, smaller supermarkets, and Asda Express convenience stores.
Asda’s Chief Digital Officer, Matt Kelleher, noted that they are progressing swiftly with various program components, paying careful attention to avoid impacting colleagues, customers, and suppliers during the busy Christmas period.
The conversion of larger superstores and intricate depot systems is scheduled to begin in early January, subsequent to the peak trading period.
Asda described this approach as “sensible and pragmatic,” emphasising that it will ensure customers have the best possible experience during Christmas.
‘Project Future’ aims to enable Asda to swiftly implement improvements, refine operations, and maximise data capabilities, facilitating a complete separation from Walmart’s systems.
The retailer has already implemented several new systems, including finance, checkouts, human resources and payroll, customer relationship management, and depots.
Recent updates involved introducing 16,500 new checkouts and 28,000 Scan & Go devices, completing the conversion of 20 depots, migrating over 9.6 million past George orders to a new online platform, and launching a new store picking system to streamline processing over four million items daily.
Asda’s strategic prioritisation of IT system conversions in smaller stores aims to ensure seamless operations during the critical Christmas trading period.
