Kroger Speeds Innovation across 2,470 Stores

Kroger deploys the IBM Store Integration Framework (SIF) in more than 2,470 supermarkets across the country. The SIF is intended to improve the overall shopping experience for customers, says Chris Helm, Kroger senior vice president and CIO. "With this initiative, we will be able to introduce innovative services quickly and seamlessly to improve our customers' shopping experience." Kroger will use IBM Store Integrator and Data Integration Facility software to leverage its previous investment in IBM hardware including the SurePOS 700 POS system. The software modules allow all the varied POS peripherals to work together and integrate with the central system -- the IBM SurePOS ACE for 4690 OS software. The deployment prepares Kroger for scheduled hardware trials. Kroger constantly monitors its network of more than 30,000 POS systems using IBM Tivoli Manager for Retail software. In previous technology implementations, Kroger was one of the first supermarket chains to install self-checkout terminals in its stores. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based supermarket chain also was one of the first to add fueling stations with pay-at-the-pump technology to its store locations.