Grocery Outlet taps into the cloud for refrigeration upkeep and enhancements

Grocery Outlet has deployed Axiom Cloud’s "apps for refrigeration" in 79 of its stores throughout California to enhance refrigeration uptime, reduce refrigerant leak rates and generate new revenue through automated demand response, the Oakland, California-based software development company announced on Tuesday.

In the first three months of operation, the apps have already helped Grocery Outlet stores save $418,000 on energy bills and maintenance costs. Using software and automation, Axiom Cloud is looking to transform how the world’s cooling systems are powered, operated and maintained, the company said.

"Grocery Outlet has been interested in using cloud analytics for things like predictive maintenance, energy commissioning and demand response for a few years now, but we hadn't found the right technology partner," said Frank Davis, senior director of Refrigeration & Sustainability at Grocery Outlet. "We are looking to install Axiom apps in more stores throughout the U.S. if results continue to be so positive."

Grocery Outlet now has real-time access to refrigeration data across all enrolled sites in one dashboard, with Facilities Analyzer, Axiom's foundational app.

Through the app, Grocery Outlet, whose stores are owned by independent operators, will receive notifications alerting them to maintenance issues, refrigerant leaks and energy-saving opportunities.

Emeryville, California-based Grocery Outlet  boasted a solid third quarter, which ended Oct. 1, as same-store sales at the West Coast discounter climbed 15.4% during the quarter while net sales increased 19.4%.

The discount retailer has 430 locations throughout California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.