Pick n Pay is rolling out an AI-based store operations platform from Canadian company OrderGrid to more than 720 stores, after a pilot cut the average time it took staff to pick online orders by about 30%.
The platform, which will support the retailer’s asap! online grocery service, covers real-time inventory management, demand forecasting, order management and in-store task management. It is meant to help staff reduce out-of-stocks, spot shelf gaps and fulfil online orders faster. Pick n Pay already uses computer vision to detect empty shelves and machine learning to plan picking routes.
The retailer said the roll-out is the final stage of a two-year overhaul of its technology platform. It did not say how many stores took part in the pilot, or what the deal with Toronto-based OrderGrid is worth.
“Using OrderGrid’s tools will help our teams pick online orders more efficiently, particularly larger baskets,” said Enrico Ferigolli, Pick n Pay’s retail executive for omnichannel.
Using OrderGrid’s tools will help our teams pick online orders more efficiently, particularly larger baskets.
Enrico Ferigolli
Pick n Pay’s online sales grew 35.4% in the 26 weeks to 30 August, though the group does not disclose how big the business is. Ferigolli said online sales were growing faster this year than last.
The retailer has added several features to the asap! app this year, including Penny, an AI shopping assistant that helps customers find products and build baskets using text, voice and images. Last week it launched Smart Shopper Pro, a R99/month subscription that takes on Checkers’ Xtra Savings Plus. – (c) 2026 NewsCentral Media
