Safeway has struck a deal with logistics group Wincanton to use revolutionary technology in its delivery lorries, bringing multi-million pound savings.
The grocer claims it will be the first retailer to adopt the computer hardware for its 750-strong fleet, enabling communication with stores, regional distribution centres and some suppliers.
Code-named Project Pulsar, the initiative should improve Safeway's back-hauling - when vehicles pick up goods from suppliers on the way back to distribution centres after delivering to stores.
The scheme means Safeway can strip out costs arising from the need to pay suppliers to deliver to the retailer.
A Safeway spokeswoman said: 'This is technology that no other retailer is using at the moment. It is going to make a huge difference and help transform our supply chain. It will increase operating efficiency.'
She refused to give an exact figure for the expected cost-saving, but said that while it was 'multi-million' it was not 'tens of millions'.
Safeway has planned the project for some time and decided to continue with it despite the fact that it is likely to be bought within the next few months.
Numis retail analyst Mark Hughes said: 'Safeway wants to make sure that its business is operating as well as it can do, if the worst comes to the worst and the Competition Commission blocks everybody. Acquisitions also take time, and Safeway will want to extract the maximum value.'
A decision on potential bids for Safeway is expected within the next month.
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