Asda launches Leeds technology centre

ASDA has launched a new technology centre at its head office in Leeds.

The centre is the first of its kind in the UK and will enable Asda and parent company Walmart to better monitor all traffic and interactions with its global websites 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The new mission control operations hub, or NOC as it is known in the industry, will coordinate with existing centres in Silicon Valley, California and Bangalore, India to monitor 11 of Walmart’s existing websites, including Asda.com and George.com, as well as Walmart’s online operations in Mexico and Canada.

The new system is expected to enable Asda and Walmart to identify and address any issues with its websites five times faster than before, helping the companies to deliver a better and more efficient customer experience.

The opening of the centre will generate 14 new roles in Leeds. 

Mark Ibbotson, chief operating officer at Asda, said: “Walmart’s decision to invest in the UK and bring the latest of its retail innovations to Leeds demonstrates the integral role that Asda plays in the Walmart family.

“Together we currently serve over 245 million people through our stores and websites globally and in the UK, online is the fastest growing area of Asda’s business – with online grocery growing at over 21 percent year-on-year.  That’s why we’re investing hard to bring world–class technology from across the globe to the UK – delivering an unparalleled online experience for our customers.”