Asda will focus on converting IT systems in smaller stores this Christmas to minimise shopper disruption.
- The conversion targets 850 smaller sites, including petrol stations and Express stores.
- Project Future, Europe’s largest IT transformation, follows Asda’s split from Walmart.
- Significant investments include £430m and hundreds of new roles to support the transformation.
- Issues encountered include a payroll glitch affecting employees earlier this year.
Asda will focus its IT system conversion efforts on smaller stores this Christmas to minimise disruption to its operations. The retailer will target around 850 locations, which include petrol stations, smaller supermarkets, and Asda Express convenience stores, providing a calculated approach to ensure a smoother holiday season.
Project Future, which Asda dubs as “Europe’s largest IT transformation project”, follows the retailer’s separation from Walmart. This ambitious initiative involves transitioning 2,500 systems and has already attracted substantial financial commitment, with Asda’s parent company Bellis Finco reporting an investment of £430m.
To support this huge transformation, Asda has created hundreds of new positions. The strategic focus on smaller stores is deemed ‘sensible and pragmatic’ by the company, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and boost data capabilities.
While significant progress has been made, including new systems in finance, checkout, and human resources, the transition has not been without problems. A new payroll system experienced a glitch earlier this year, impacting thousands of employees.
Moving forward, Asda plans to accelerate the conversion of its larger superstores and depots post the Christmas shopping period. The aim is to achieve full independence from Walmart’s systems, thereby equipping the retailer with what it believes are ‘the best systems in the grocery sector’. Matt Kelleher, Asda’s Chief Digital Officer, emphasised the balance between rapid execution and consideration for stakeholders during this busy period.
Asda’s strategic approach highlights its commitment to technological advancement while prioritising minimal disruption during critical trading periods.
