Kroger to streamline store operations with cloud deployment

The Kroger Co. is creating optimized in-store workflows and customer experiences – aided by cloud technology.

America’s largest grocery retailer plans to implement ExtremeCloud IQ cloud management technology and Wi-Fi 6E access points across its store locations to create optimized experiences for customers and associates. Kroger plans to use the new in-store infrastructure to support tasks and solutions including “scan-as-you-go” shopping, inventory location, and temperature sensing applications.

Extreme Wi-Fi 6E solutions are designed to help increase the reliability of retail software applications and the performance of Internet of Things (IoT) devices by boosting network capacity and infrastructure. In addition, Kroger will leverage the ExtremeCloud IQ platform to obtain a single view into its entire network, with the goal of easing the management, automation and understanding of ongoing performance and operations.  

“Extreme’s differentiator is helping customers establish the network as a profit center, not a cost center,” said Norman Rice, COO at Extreme Networks. “We take a collaborative approach to solving complex business problems through innovative technology. In retail and grocery specifically, we help customers unlock significant value from their network investment by leveraging network intelligence and leaning into automation to improve the in-store experience, streamline operations and drive associate productivity.”  

Kroger increases associate productivity with cloud analytics

In another recent cloud-based store initiative, Kroger is deploying a variety of Google Cloud data analytics, AI, and ML tools under an application framework co-developed by Deloitte and Kroger.

The retailer is utilizing these solutions across its stores nationwide to aid real-time operational decisions that will deliver a better shopping experience. Kroger worked with Google Cloud and Deloitte to create two, purpose-built applications designed to enhance associate productivity.

The first is a new task management application that provides Kroger's night crew managers with greater visibility into the volume and type of merchandise arriving on a given day, store staffing information, and stocking needs.

The second solution is a new store management application, which provides a standardized audit checklist for store and department managers. It also offers a customizable walk path that guides store audits. Both the store management and task management applications are now automatically generating tasks and prioritizing work for Kroger associates nationally.

Deloitte utilized several Google Cloud technologies to build the Kroger’s new cloud-based AI architecture, including the Google Spanner SQL database management and storage service and the Google Cloud Dataflow serverless data processing service.

Based in Cincinnati, Kroger operates 2,800 stores, including more than 100 stores in Southeast Texas and Louisiana, under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market, and Mariano's.