What does Sainsbury's IT department do?

Answer 1

Sainsbury's IT Department liaises with its business areas to enable effective operation of IT system delivery to all stores, depot & distribution locations, also head office (Store Support Centre), assisting 'the business' to organise develop manage and trade its retail offering. This is for both IT & Telecoms systems, (latter includes LAN/WAN networks for all UK data connection including phones with 'mobile phones'/ Blackberries for key operational staff).

Particular info: Operational capability to manage & support internal and external information systems ('Corporate Systems' -HR, Procurement -eg Retek (Enterprise Retail Management), Oracle Financials, Procurement, CA Enterprise-'system management' integration, Blue Martini (-Sainsbury's retail internet engine) and many others.

Web-based systems are ever increasingly utilised within Sainsbury's for on-line retailing also supplier transactions -orders and billing which are mostly automated.

Many IT development and support activities are outsourced or 'off-shored' to specialist suppliers where projected efficiencies and cost savings have been identified.

The IT Department is committed to adopt environmental friendly (Green) solutions for its activity eg reducing where possible energy consumption in its data centres under development and is working with suppliers on availability of such 'Green' systems generally within acceptable cost levels and available technology.

As do many retailers, Sainsbury's IT Division operate a 24X7 support operation to ensure systems are kept running seamlessly for customers.

July 2009 (updated October 2009)