NEWSWATCH 2001-10-22

Ahold To Implement New Software

icials at Ahold here recently announced that it will be implementing a software platform from MicroStrategy, McLean, Va., that will help it analyze sales and customer data.

The new program, called the MicroStrategy Business Intelligence Platform, will be implemented in Albert Heijn Supermarkets and Gall & Gall wine shops in Spain and in other Ahold holdings in the U.S.

"MicroStrategy's business intelligence software offers excellent performance that can easily handle analysis of millions of cash register transactions each week," said Egbert Dijkstra, business intelligence IT manager at Ahold. "We are also very pleased with the speed with which our users can conduct sales and customer analysis."

Israeli Supermarket Uses "Smart Cart"

ROSH HA'AYIN, Israel -- Blue-Square-Israel recently announced that it has begun using a "smart" shopping cart that eliminates the need for checkout lines.

The cart technology was invented by Buy Pass, an Israeli start-up company.

Blue Square operates 172 supermarkets and officials there said they will begin deploying the "smart carts" throughout the chain.

"This cutting-edge technology, which we are implementing for the first time anywhere, will lead to a true revolution in retail culture," said Yoram Dar, Blue Square's president and chief executive officer.