FedEx and Microsoft have combined forces in the hope that they will shake up commerce like never before with a combined digital network and intelligent cloud services. The two giants will believe they will create opportunities through services powered by Azure and Dynamics 365 using data and analytics to reinvent commerce and make businesses more competitive.
FedEx Surround is the first product to come from the partnership, the system increasing supply chain visibility by using data to provide near-real-time analytics into shipment tracking, offering more precise logistics and inventory management. Surround will provide insights down to ZIP code level to monitor shipment progress and movement of physical inventory, and it will collect multiple data points gathered through enhanced scanning and proprietary Internet of Things technology from FedEx and analyze them using Microsoft’s suite of AI, machine learning and analytics tools. Such insights will apparently let customers intervene early and act to avoid logistics slowdowns before they occur.
Further information on the partnership and the forthcoming fruits will be shared this summer. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is confident: “Together with FedEx, we will apply the power of Azure, Dynamics 365 and their AI capabilities to this urgent need, building new commerce experiences that transform logistics for our mutual customers around the world.”