Microsoft aimed to provide AI solutions and build use cases for all of Danone’s functions. Initially, the companies will explore creating an AI-enabled supply chain to elevate operational efficiency and develop digital twinning of core skills to assist data driven decision making across procurement, production and distribution.
Jurgen Esser, Danone chief financial officer, said: “Our collaboration with Microsoft will accelerate our AI transformation, providing us with the tools, technology, and expertise to explore new frontiers in data analysis, operational efficiency, and consumer engagement.
Culture of continuous learning
“Working together is not just about technology; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and performance across our organisation.”
To this end, the companies also intend to launch a Danone Microsoft AI Academy dedicated to upskilling all Danone employees with knowledge of the tools needed to thrive in the new ‘AI-driven economy’.
It builds on Danone’s recently launched ‘DanSkills’ programme, which sought to upskill and reskill about 100,000 employees to the ‘jobs of the future’. AI is already in use by 50,000 members of staff in their day-to-day jobs through tools like Microsoft Copilot.
Microsoft’s new programme aims to promote collaboration and innovation and includes initiatives tailored to various employee groups to ensure comprehensive training coverage.
Fostering innovation
Hayete Gallot, corporate vice president of Commercial Solutions Areas at Microsoft, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Danone on this transformative journey and support them with our AI solutions to foster innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and increase data-driven decision-making across all functions.
“With our future Danone Microsoft AI Academy, we aim to empower Danone's workforce with the tools and expertise needed to excel in the AI-driven economy.”
Meanwhile, as the adoption of new technology within food manufacturing gathers pace, Stuart Coulton, OMRON marketing manager for the UK and Ireland, considers the drivers behind the transition and the future of automation and smart maintenance across the value chain.
Danone's partnership with Microsoft
Danone's partnership with Danone aimed to:
- Elevate operational efficiency, enabling a smarter, more responsive approach to managing logistics and manufacturing through predictive forecasting, real-time adjustments and streamlined operations.
- Develop digital twinning of core skills to assist data driven decision making by core professionals in Danone’s procurement, production and distribution teams.
