Retail technology news : Australian supermarket company Coles Group has entered into a long-term digital transformation partnership with Accenture to save costs of up to AUD 1 billion over the next four years through the launch of new technology.

The agreement is the latest in a series of global partnerships and developments through which the Australian supermarket, retail and consumer services chain is building its technology and digital capabilities.

Accenture will help Coles in supply chain modernization with global automation experts Witron and Ocado under the deal, as per the latest retail technology news.

The digital and technology services provider will also assist the Australian supermarket company with SAP implementation for procurement, HR, and finance systems, and the migration to new Microsoft solutions.

Accenture will invest in joint technology innovation fund and strategic technology roadmaps to ensure the digital capabilities of Coles in its long-term strategy as part of the agreement.

The Australian supermarket company will also have access to Accenture’s technology experts across its global network, which spreads over 40 industries.

Steven Cain – CEO of Coles, commenting on the digital transformation partnership with Accenture, said: “We have committed to being technology-led in our stores and throughout our supply chain to reduce costs while delivering an even better shopping experience for customers and making life easier for our team members.

“The partnership with Accenture will enable us to deliver the efficiencies we need for long-term sustainability, and provide the agility to respond to rapidly-evolving consumer needs. This is a vital part of Coles winning in its second century.”

With the completion of over 35,000 Microsoft projects for more than 4,000 clients around the globe, Accenture will leverage its global strategic relationship with Microsoft to assist Coles with simpler, more efficient, and robust operations.

Last month, the Australian supermarket company announced plans to speed up its use of technology as part of its Smarter Selling initiative, which will include increased automation, faster checkouts, more accurate stock ordering, reduced energy use, and smarter planning in distribution centers.

Earlier, Coles had signed strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Ocado, Optus, SAP and Witron to build on its technology and digital capabilities.

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  Accenture, Australia, Coles Group, Retail technology news, Steven Cain