When Microsoft Corp announced the Microsoft Supply Chain Platform less than a year ago, the company said it would help organizations “maximize their supply chain data estate investment with an open approach”.
According to the software giant, the service brings together Microsoft AI, collaboration, low-code, security and SaaS applications in a “composable platform”.
The Microsoft Supply Chain Center also allows practitioners to harmonize data from across existing infrastructure supply chain systems, such as data from Dynamics 365, and other ERP providers, including SAP and Oracle, along with standalone supply chain systems.
Launch partners included big names in the logistics and supply chain sector, including C.H. Robinson, FedEx, FourKites and Overhaul.
Despite all this, the solution will be deprecated on October 31, 2023.
According to some some supply chain experts and commentators, the news of Microsoft winding down its supply chain solution was an example of just how difficult it is to enter the market – even for a global tech giant like Microsoft.
Radu Palamariu, Managing Director of Alcott Global, said on LinkedIn that it “shows that huge tech companies as well as scale ups alike, it is not that easy to make SCM tech work.”.
Anthony Miller, a logistics and supply chain strategy consultant, also offered his thoughts on LinkedIn, writing: “this really illustrates just how complicated, and expensive, building a supply chain management solution is. When I see all these start-ups talking about their “end-to-end” capabilities and their “real-time visibility”, I always ask myself if they realize just what they are saying, and how little truth is behind their words.”
Miller added: “The big question now: will Google find more success with their supply chain solutions? They’ve invested heavily in the space, and clearly have a strong base to build from with Maps and Cloud.”
Photo: Tom Driggers / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 DEED
