Accenture signs technology deal with Coles to accelerate the retailer's 'Smarter Selling' strategy

Coles' Chief Executive Steven Cain hopes to slash costs and revamp the retailer's operations using technology – and it has enlisted technology provider Accenture to help. 

The Australian retail giant has announced that it will expand its partnership with Accenture as it ramps up its digital transformation efforts. 

Through the partnership, Accenture will help Coles implement systems from technology providers such as Micrososft, SAP, Witron and Ocado, to help revamp its supply chain, procurement, human resources (HR) and finance operations.

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The agreement comes a fortnight after Coles signed a multi-year strategic alliance with Microsoft that will see the retailer adopt more artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other technologies. 

The partnership also aligns with Coles’ four-year transformation plan called ‘Smarter Selling’ whereby it aims to use technology to reduce its costs by AU$1bn. 

“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,” Coles Chief Executive Officer Steven Cain said.

“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.”