Maersk announced that joined forces with Microsoft, to use its cloud computing platform, Azure, in order to develop digital products and services across all brands in the A.P. Moller – Maersk Transport & Logistics division. The company’s aim is to simplify digital visibility in supply chains.
Microsoft Azure will be the digital platform to power Maersk’s future app store that is expected to enhance operational performance, increase the visibility and predictability of supply chains and improve service to millions of operators worldwide.
“With Azure, products that are beneficial to one business can be quickly adapted for the others, because all data that can be shared from the businesses is now available in the same place,” says Jan Voetmann, Head of Analytics Engagement, whose team oversees digital product management.
Specifically, Microsoft’s cloud computing services and Azure platform will improve the flow of data across the company’s operations, making it easier to create and link insights related to operations and commercial activities. Establishing Azure as the sole platform for building all digital products, ensures they can be developed cost efficiently, fast and that they are scalable across the different brands in the Transport & Logistics division.
“To use an operational example, it means an algorithm that uses crane data to predict the optimal time for maintenance to be done in order to avoid breaking down, can be adapted much quicker and easier for, say, containers or vessel engines. If it’s a good model, we can just grab the other data set in Azure” explained Voetmann.