167 R E TA I L & CG data insights from the FedEx supply chain with Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management to facilitate expedited deliveries, near real-time delivery status communications, frictionless returns, and more. “We’re thrilled with the progress made on Intelligent Order Management and the excitement around it with FedEx, but there’s much more we want to do to provide customers with a robust suite of options,” says Bassani. In all cases, Microsoft’s goal is to go beyond simply providing technology for customers and partners to use. “We aim to build symbiotic relationships where they can make each other’s products and services better,” says Bassani. “A good strategic example is US-based supermarket chain Kroger Co, which has committed to making a substantial investment to improve multiple facets of its supply chain, including stores, warehouses, and logistics. We’re working hand in hand to develop scale solutions (leveraging Azure to improve data modelling), as well as more specific software-as-a-service-based solutions. This includes evaluating first- and third-party solutions where appropriate.” Multiple retailers and CGs have already benefited from this approach and successfully improved their supply chain operations with the help of technology from Microsoft and its partners. One example is fitness manufacturer iFit, which resolved its ‘click to first offer date’ problem by implementing Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology. “By using our inventory placement AI, iFit saved roughly three hours per day in manual effort and analysis,” says Bassani. “The solution provides recommendations on how much inventory to stock and where to stock it, and with this suggested data, iFit is able to strategically dispatch 1,000 additional shipments per week to the necessary warehouse locations.” Spurred on by this success, Microsoft will continue to collaborate with partners to further evolve its solutions to empower retailers and CGs with the agile, secure and resilient supply chains they need to remain profitable and competitive long into the future. Bassani says: “Microsoft is already considered a leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant, but we have high ambitions in the supply chain technology space, and we’re thankful for the partners and customers that are locking hands early in the journey with us.” We asked a selection of Microsoft partners how they are helping retailers and CGs to resolve issues in their supply chains and make them more stable, agile and resilient Partner perspectives “Soaring inflation is the biggest challenge for CGs, but they cannot simply pass the entirety of this to their customers. Instead, they must boost efficiency to safeguard margins. However, disruptions to both supply and demand can affect efficiency. Consequently, companies must implement structural strategies to enhance resilience and boost flexibility to respond to market changes. Advanced planning and scheduling capabilities help CGs to adapt to dynamic environments with realistic plans. When coupled with real-time situational awareness through edge-to-enterprise visibility, digital twins identify plant capacity to ensure supply chain promises can be kept. The detailed data also provides the foundation for AI and predictive analytics to deliver powerful insights, enabling workers to optimise processes and throughput. Together, AVEVA and Microsoft help customers leverage an open cloud platform, optimise production, improve environmental efficiency and build robust supply chains.” Sree Hameed Consumer Products Industry Strategist, AVEVA
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