Co-op Food has signed a contract with software provider SAP to provide it with a new IT infrastructure.
The Co-op said the new system would allow it to better support stores and improve the shopping experience, streamlining processes and continuing the work the business has started on pricing and ranging in stores.
Co-op retail chief information officer Cheryl Marshall told The Grocer the system would take up to four years to fully implement. It is the first time it has worked with SAP and it will be replacing the Co-op’s legacy systems including those it inherited as part of its acquisition of Somerfield.
Marshall said the new systems would improve store processes and replenishment and ultimately availability. She added the SAP system would be built using open architecture, which would allow Co-op to easily adapt.
“If we want to launch digital services in the future we can add on capabilities,” she said. “We won’t be closing ourselves off from online if we decide to do that.”
Co-op group CEO Richard Pennycook called the deal a “significant milestone” in the retailer’s Rebuild plan.
“This gives our food business the opportunity to become industry leading and marks the start of a four-year journey to transform the business.”
SAP UK & Ireland MD Cormac Watters added: “SAP is proud to partner with leading co-operatives across EMEA, and this collaboration is a landmark engagement in this region. I am confident we will be able to help the Co-op to improve its customer experience as it transforms its business for the future.”
As well as the new IT infrastructure, the Co-op has introduced the latest Manhattan warehousing software into its fresh and ambient supply chain, which Marshall said would boost speed, planning and agility across its network.
No comments yet