The big move follows a rollout of Gmail and its custom ‘Tap for Support’ app on iPads to 890 store managers in August of last year.

“Our decision to move to Google Apps is a key element of transforming our workforce computing to achieve a step-change in our collaboration and productivity,” Woolworth CIO Dan Beecham said today.

“Our staff need access to intuitive technology that will enable them to work more efficiently, collaboratively and effectively.”

The grocery chain is also in the process of moving to Google Apps for calendar and instant messaging, with the Gmail rollout so far receiving positive feedback from staff according to the company.

Woolworths also said it's looking into how it can use Google Plus, Google Drive and Google Sites to help transform “other aspects” of its business.

In order to support the transition Woolworths has set up a dedicated technology centre with what they call “technology coaches” where more than 3500 national office staff members will be able to receive face-to-face training and other forms of support.

The move follows Coles' trial of Google Wallet, with a report speculating one in three smartphones would be capable of making contactless payments by next year.