EPAM & Albert Heijn: AI Partnership Redefines Retail Efficiency & Employee Experience

Amsterdam, Netherlands – November 13, 2025 – A strategic partnership between global digital transformation services and product engineering company EPAM Systems, retail giant Albert Heijn, and Microsoft is revolutionizing the retail landscape. The collaboration has resulted in a scalable Generative AI (GenAI) platform that significantly enhances operational efficiency, elevates the employee experience, and lays the groundwork for hyper-personalized customer interactions. EPAM recently received the “Innovate with Azure AI Platform 2025 Partner of the Year Award” from Microsoft, solidifying its position as a leader in AI-driven innovation.

Beyond Automation: A Focus on Employee Empowerment

While many retailers are exploring AI for tasks like inventory management and demand forecasting, the EPAM-Albert Heijn partnership distinguishes itself by prioritizing the employee experience. The core of the solution is an AI-powered virtual assistant, seamlessly integrated into Albert Heijn’s existing employee app, @AH, available to their 80,000 employees across 700 stores.

“The initial goal wasn’t simply about automating tasks,” explains a source close to the project. “It was about creating a tool that made the daily lives of Albert Heijn’s employees easier, faster, and more fulfilling.”

The virtual assistant acts as a central hub for information, enabling staff to quickly access product details, stock levels, and procedural guidance. This eliminates time-consuming searches, streamlines workflows, and allows employees to focus on providing exceptional customer service.

“We saw an opportunity to alleviate the pain points of our frontline workers,” says a representative from Albert Heijn. “The AI assistant provides instant access to critical information, empowering them to perform their duties more effectively.”

A Platform for Future Innovation

The collaboration goes beyond a single application. The GenAI platform is designed as a flexible and scalable foundation for future AI-driven initiatives. This strategic approach positions Albert Heijn as a forward-thinking leader in the retail industry, prepared to embrace emerging technologies and adapt to evolving customer expectations.

“This isn't a one-off project; it's a long-term investment in AI,” states an industry analyst familiar with the project. “Albert Heijn is building a robust technical framework that will enable them to rapidly deploy new AI-powered solutions as they become available.”

The platform’s architecture allows for seamless integration with other systems, including Albert Heijn’s point-of-sale, inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This interconnectedness facilitates data-driven decision-making and unlocks new opportunities for personalization and optimization.

The Competitive Landscape & EPAM's Role

The retail AI market is intensely competitive, with major players like Accenture, TCS, Oracle, and specialized providers vying for market share. These companies offer a range of AI solutions, from supply chain optimization to personalized marketing. However, EPAM differentiates itself through its focus on end-to-end digital transformation and its strong partnership with Microsoft.

As a Microsoft Global Systems Integrator (GSI), EPAM possesses deep expertise in Azure AI technologies and a proven track record of delivering complex AI solutions for large enterprises. This expertise, combined with its collaborative approach to innovation, has enabled EPAM to develop a truly impactful solution for Albert Heijn.

“EPAM’s ability to integrate AI into existing systems and workflows is a key differentiator,” notes a source within Microsoft. “They understand that successful AI adoption requires more than just technology; it requires a holistic approach to transformation.”

Beyond the Store: Expanding the AI Footprint

While the initial focus of the partnership is on enhancing the employee experience in physical stores, Albert Heijn is already exploring ways to extend the AI footprint across its entire value chain. This includes initiatives to improve customer engagement, optimize supply chain operations, and reduce food waste.

“We’re committed to leveraging AI to create a more sustainable and efficient retail operation,” says a representative from Albert Heijn. “AI is a key enabler of our sustainability goals.”

One example of this is Albert Heijn’s use of AI to predict strawberry shelf life, reducing waste by accurately forecasting demand and optimizing inventory levels. Another is its “Scan & Kook” feature, which uses AI to generate personalized recipes from ingredient photos, enhancing customer engagement and driving sales.

The Future of Retail: A Personalized and Efficient Experience

The EPAM-Albert Heijn partnership offers a glimpse into the future of retail – a future characterized by personalized customer experiences, efficient operations, and empowered employees. By embracing AI and investing in digital transformation, Albert Heijn is positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving retail landscape.

“Retailers that fail to embrace AI will be left behind,” warns a retail industry analyst. “AI is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have.”

As the partnership continues to evolve, it is likely to unlock even more innovative applications of AI, further enhancing the customer experience and driving value for Albert Heijn. The success of this collaboration serves as a model for other retailers looking to harness the power of AI to transform their businesses.