Google Cloud and Deloitte have formed a strategic collaboration with Kroger to help the grocery chain use cloud technologies to increase associate productivity across its nearly 2,800 stores nationwide.
Kroger recently deployed a variety of Google Cloud data analytics, AI, and ML tools under an application framework co-developed by Deloitte and Kroger.
Kroger worked with Google Cloud and Deloitte to create two, purpose-built applications to enhance associate productivity. The first being a new task management application that provides Kroger’s night crew managers with greater visibility into the volume and type of merchandise, store staffing information, and stocking needs. The second is Kroger’s new store management application, empowering store leaders to be less dependent on paper tools. The app provides a standardized audit checklist to ensure a high-quality shopping experience for customers.
These new applications leveraged Google Cloud technologies used by Deloitte to build a modern, event-driven architecture for the retailer. Technologies utilized include AI and ML, Spanner, and Dataflow for database management, task optimization, productivity drivers and forecasting.
Jose Luis-Gomes, managing director, retail and consumer, Google Cloud, said: “Retail is in the details. One of the most important ones many retailers struggle with is how to maximize the time and talents of their associates when every store and every day is different.
“Kroger doesn’t just have the latest and greatest technologies – the grocer is literally putting them into the hands of their associates so their time can be used on what matters most for Kroger’s customers.”
Jim Clendenen, vice president, enterprise retail systems, Kroger, said: “Technology and digital tools are fundamental elements of how Kroger continues to improve the associate experience, which in turn, enhances the in-store experience for our customers. Innovation is a critical component, and execution is even more important.
“Google Cloud and Deloitte brought us a technology architecture and application framework that we could implement in record time. We’re already seeing results across our stores, with associate tasks being optimized and overall productivity increasing.”
