Press Release, March 2009

ICON enables ASDA to maintain a consistent brand identity for all its stores

All the information needed to provide an overview of everything needed to build and fit an ASDA store is now held in an online solution provided by ICON. The construction information management solution is enabling supermarket giant ASDA to manage its brand consistently across all its stores.

The information previously needed for store specifications, including the fixtures and fittings, was previously held in hard copy, explained ASDA’s Model and Specification Manager, Anne Stubley-Black. “I realised we had to get the process computerised, with some sort of database,” she said. “With our programme of expansion, we would have had difficulty completing consistent schemes within budget.

“At the time we were working with a design company on some new fixtures and they were already using a similar system from ICON. When I saw the demonstration I was very impressed; it did exactly what we wanted it to do but we were also offered the potential for a whole lot more functionality.”

All specifications, costs and supplier details for all the ASDA fixtures and fittings were entered onto an ICON database.

“We started with a ‘standard’ 40,000 sq ft model store,” continued Anne. “We listed all the items on the sales floor, along with the quantities required. The database now holds around 2,500 items, along with associated costs, and controls the information for every area of a store.”

The ICON system enables ASDA to maintain a consistent brand identity for all its stores, whilst minimising the costs. If an item is used in several different areas in a store, the ICON system ensures it is always to the same specification and purchased at a uniform price.

Whilst ASDA uses the ICON system for the design and specification of buildings, the system can also assist with the project roll out of new-builds and refurbishments.

The whole system (which comes as a number of solutions) has been developed in conjunction with design standards and technical managers. It provides access to accurate, real-time information for all members of the project delivery team, resulting in improved confidence, communication, safety, efficiency, product quality and budgetary control.

The full ICON solution comprises:

· AutoCAD Integration
· Design Standards
· Estates Management
· Management of Health and Safety
· Concept Management
· Key Performance Indicators
· Model Costs
· Project Collaboration
· Project Tracking
· Project Specific Order Generation
· Statutory Certification
· Surveys
· Text Alerts and Announcements