Starting with Thailand in early 2004 and rolling out to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan over the next three years, Carrefour will upgrade its IT systems with the G.O.L.D. suite of software from Finland's Aldata Solution, a specialist in supply chain information technology.
The G.O.L.D. suite is a family of integrated application modules for retailers, wholesalers, and logistic providers offering effective control of the entire supply chain, from product manufacture through to consumer sales. Aldata claims to have 200 customers for G.O.L.D. worldwide, including Tesco, Casino and Auchan.
Aldata said that it was initially supplying its G.O.L.D. Central module for the central head office and the G.O.L.D. Shop module for shop back-office management. Other modules could be added once the pilot phase in Thailand is completed.
Bruno Cabasso, CIO of Carrefour, said that the widespread use of the G.O.L.D. software among other retail groups, and across the world, had made it the logical choice for the French group.
He said that the suite's up-to-date web based technology and the flexibility of the application architecture were also important factors in the choice G.O.L.D.
René Homeyer, deputy CEO of Aldata, said that the company was pleased to be strengthening its co-operation with Carrefour. "G.O.L.D. is recognised as a global robust and modern solution that can cover users' expectations and bring cost savings for our customers in a short period of time," he said.
"This agreement confirms that we have chosen the right product strategy. In addition, it is a clear sign that Aldata is able to serve its customers globally, based on excellent resources, application know-how and partners. This is the way we intend to grow also in the future," added Matti Hietala, president and CEO of Aldata.
The companies gave no indication as to the value of the deal, but Aldata said the first deliveries to Thailand would take place in early 2004 with a full rollout starting at the end of the year.
Aldata is the fourth largest retail software provider in Europe with sales of €53.3 million in the first nine months of the year. Aldata's Supply Chain Management software business accounts for about half of total turnover.