C.H. Robinson and Microsoft target IoT and cloud-based supply chain digitalisation

C.H. Robinson has signed a deal with Microsoft to further digitise its supply chain, utilising cloud and Internet of Things technology.

As part of the deal C.H. Robinson will integrate its multimodal transportation management platform Navisphere with Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and IoT device monitoring.

Chris O’Brien, chief commercial officer at C.H. Robinson, said: “The pace of change we’re seeing in the supply-chain industry today is unparalleled. Being able to quickly scale and adapt our technology is what helps give our customers a competitive advantage.

“Through Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, we gain more scalability, premier data security and increased application speed, which benefit our customers and carriers around the world.”

C.H. Robinson will use Azure IoT Central to integrate IoT device monitoring that measures factors such as temperature, shock, tilt, humidity, light and pressure in shipments.

C.H. Robinson will also use Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power BI as part of its customer relationship management (CRM) platform that integrates real-time pricing, execution and transportation management tools.

Jordan Kass, president of managed services at C.H. Robinson, said: “The supply chain of the future is smarter, less volatile and can be navigated with a new level of visibility thanks to the power of this relationship. Through this collaboration, our customers receive a greater competitive edge, as well as industry-leading insights and expertise.”

In May FedEx signed a supply chain digitisation partnership deal with Microsoft.