Superior Grocers, Weis Turning to Automation to Improve Operations

On the heels of Weis Markets’ adoption of Itasca Magic computer-generated ordering and direct-store-delivery (DSD) receiving solutions to replace existing legacy software for its retail locations, including more than 170 stores that offer its Weis 2 Go Online pickup and delivery services, Superior Grocers has signed on with the West Des Moines, Iowa-based solutions provider platform.

Officials from the 46-store Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based Superior Grocers, which will also license Itasca’s DSD receiving solution, anticipate a positive impact on customer service through the automated ordering process and optimized store inventory. As a result, they expect that shoppers will experience “near-perfect availability” of the products on their lists and will see associates more often as ordering tasks are handled accurately via automation.

“Grocers today can’t compete by trying to complete manual tasks accurately, much less on-time,” Richard Wardwell, Superior Grocers’ president, said in a statement. “My experience has taught me that leveraging this type of technology will allow Superior to be more strategic as pressures on our operating costs continue to rise. We want to have tools that ensure we are in business on the products our customers want, and Itasca does just that.”

Jeff Kennedy, Itasca’s president and co-founder, said, “Superior Grocers is embarking on the same path to increased profitability and improved customer service our current customers’ experience. We are truly pleased to help Superior advance its approach to inventory, and we welcome them to the Itasca family of customers.”

Last month, Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis Markets’ implemented Itasca Magic inventory management and ordering software across all of its stores to achieve superior service levels and minimize waste. Weis officials said optimizing store-level inventory will help the 198-store regional retailer reduce excess inventory and product spoilage by ensuring sufficient product is always available to meet consumer demand without excess.

“Computer-generated ordering has enormous potential,” said Greg Zeh, Weis Markets’ chief information officer. “We are pleased to be working with Itasca. They are a market leader that will help us move our business forward and serve our customers more efficiently. This collaboration will help us deliver what our customers have come to expect from Weis Markets’ stores: outstanding value and quality with excellent in-stock conditions.”