FedEx and Microsoft will bring together FedEx network intelligence with capabilities from Microsoft Dynamics 365 to introduce a ‘logistics as a service’ for retailers, merchants and brands
FedEx Corporation and Microsoft Corporation announced Monday they have come together as part of their multi-year collaboration agreement for a new cross-platform logistics solution for e-commerce.
FedEx and Microsoft said they will bring together FedEx network intelligence with capabilities from Microsoft Dynamics 365 to introduce a cross-platform ‘logistics as a service’ for retailers, merchants and brands.
Shares of Microsoft dropped 1.8% on Monday, while FedEx stock shed 2% amid a broad market selloff that has the S&P 500 down 2% in early trading.
More than ever, it’s clear just how critical having a resilient supply chain is for every organization’s success in the modern economy, said Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella in a joint press release.
We’re bringing data and insights from the FedEx network together with the Microsoft Cloud, starting with Dynamics 365, to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation across their business operations so they can offer customers more integrated ways to shop, and faster, more efficient deliveries, he added.
With the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), alongside millions of data points collected by FedEx and the computing power of Microsoft Cloud, Nadella said the two companies intend to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation by offering customers integrated shopping and shipping choices that are faster and more efficient.
In today’s world of just-in-time supply chains, global trade and accelerated eCommerce growth, speed, flexibility and visibility are critical, the release stated, noting plans to gather insights from the 17 million packages that pass through the FedEx network each day and integrate them into retailers’ existing eCommerce platforms.
Among the delivery system upgrades being rolled out, the companies said, will be a system that enables brands to deliver ‘modern, high-value experiences directly to their customers’ including near real-time delivery status communications, convenient returns at over 60,000 locations with convenient, printerless QR codes.