Joachim Pinhammer

Spar Austria has automated the entire goods receiving process at its reopened logistics centre in Graz with technology from Knapp. A fully automated pallet high-bay racking system optimises storage capacity at the site, which was expanded to 40,000 square metres over a two-year construction period.

Family Dollar deploys Dunnhumby's AI-based platform to optimise its category management. The US discounter wants to counter weakening sales with store-specific product ranges.

Primark is modernising the operations of its information technology to secure its growth plans. To this end, the fast-fashion retailer is expanding its collaboration with Indian service provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Over the next five years, TCS will help to establish an agile IT operations landscape.

Spar Austria relies on smart technology from specialist for facility management automation Loxone. Following successful test operations and installations at a Eurospar store in Tyrol and a Spar outlet in Mundefing, the retailer is rolling out the system to all new stores built and reopened this year, as well as its head office in Salzburg.

At Home World charging park near German motorway A3 in the immediate vicinity of Wertheim Village outlet centre, a kitchen robot from start-up company Goodbytz serves food to customers. A self-service terminal from Smoothr works as the customer interface. The operating company with star chef Holger Stromberg is planning to roll out the concept further.

Aldi Süd is expanding its collaboration with Instacart in the USA. Customers can now also use the quick service provider's app in Aldi stores to make shopping easier. The software promises the discounter a uniform view of customer behaviour across online and offline channels. Click & Collect is also set to become easier and more efficient for employees.

Spanish grocery retail giant Alcampo, which belongs to Auchan, has opened its first Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) with automation solutions from Ocado. Around 1,000 robotic systems will help to prepare up to 70,000 customer orders from the greater Madrid area per week.

Carrefour is piloting payment via palm vein recognition in one of its Paris stores during the Olympic Games. The technology for the innovative biometric system is supplied by Ingenico.

Aldi Süd has agreed a multi-year collaboration with professional services provider Genpact in the USA and Australia. In these countries, the discounter is piloting the introduction of its new, predominantly SAP-based technology landscape under the project name Ahead.

Aldi Nord is piloting a customer loyalty programme for the first time. Users of the Aldi app can collect bonus points in 70 of the discounter's stores in Belgium. The application was developed together with software specialist GK.