Grocery retailer Asda hits Project Future milestone as final piece of the post-Walmart puzzle falls into place

Roll out the bunting and crack open the champagne...Asda has finally completed its epic Project Future initiative - pitched as Europe’s largest systems implementation programme.

This has involved the separation of more than 2,500 systems from former owner Walmart, with the aim of laying the technological foundations for the UK grocery giant’s future growth.

In a LinkedIn post, Mike Gledhill, Head of Delivery - Commercial, Supply & George Clothing, said: "Last week we hit a huge milestone on our Future Programme. We converted our third and final George Depot, which just so happened to be the final conversion of the entire programme. Not only that, but we did it in style…"

Asda converted all three depots in five weeks, with only three weeks to learn from the first before converting the second.

"I couldn’t be prouder of how quickly all teams involved were able to react, learn and fix for the second and third depots. The effort given by everyone has been second to none, and it’s been amazing to see everyone’s commitment to getting us over the line," said Gledhill.

"To reach completion has taken a mega effort from everyone involved and now our focus turns to making sure all three remain stable and are prepped for peak in Q4."

"On a more personal note, the Future Programme has been one hell of a ride. I was lucky enough to start the journey in retail, moving into George clothing and more latterly global sourcing, supply and logistics."

He concluded: "It’s safe to say I’ve learnt more about Asda (and myself) in the last two years than I did over the previous 16. What’s next? We’ve got a few loose ends to tie up before we fully close the programme and a big Q4 ahead… and then it’s all systems go into 2026."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.