British grocer Sainsbury's has held its first 'hackathon' event to assist supermarket innovation.
The retailer recently asked its 161,000 staff members across the business to submit ideas on how technology can help make the lives of customers and staff easier. Over 100 ideas were submitted by staff from its stores, offices and depots.
Following on from this, the supermarket held its first hackathon in September, to develop the best six ideas into prototypes within 24 hours.
Digital experts and practitioners brainstormed the ideas with the staff who thought up the ideas. At the end of the 24 hours, the developed prototypes were presented to a judging panel.
"This competition proved a great way to generate ideas and get everyone across the business thinking about how we can use technology to improve the lives of our customers and colleagues," said Jon Rudoe, director of digital and technology at Sainsbury's.
Building on the success of the event, the supermarket says that it will be holding more hackathons in the future.
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