155 on-premises environments with the Azure public cloud,” says Mercado. “This means organisations can run their applications and data wherever it makes most sense. “The Kyndryl-Microsoft team helps set up this hybrid cloud fabric so that supply chain applications can move fluidly between edge computing environments and the cloud, improving interoperability along with the return on investment.” Mercado’s advice for organisations looking to transform their models and create customisable value chains is to build an adaptive technology foundation and start by ensuring the infrastructure is agile. “Embracing a hybrid cloud strategy, for example using Microsoft’s adaptive cloud approach with Azure Arc and Azure Local, can give you the flexibility to run processes wherever they operate best,” he says. “Such a setup lets you reconfigure parts of your value chain quickly in response to market changes.” Once this foundation has been established, organisations can leverage advanced analytics to further drive customisation. “Tools like demand sensing and digital twin simulation allow you to anticipate shifts and test ‘what if’ scenarios in a risk-free way,” explains Mercado. “For instance, you can model how a spike in fuel prices or a sudden change in consumer preferences would impact your network, then prepare accordingly.” Finally, organisations should treat the transformation process as a team sport and collaborate with strategic partners to accelerate the journey. “This could mean collaborating with technology providers or consulting firms,” says Mercado. “A partner like Kyndryl, working closely with Microsoft, can bring in specialised expertise, ready-made solution frameworks and even co-innovation opportunities. Tapping into an ecosystem ensures you’re using best of breed tools and knowledge, and it can help to bridge any skill or resource gaps your organisation might have. “True transformation lies not in the technology itself, but in how we wield it, blending data, insight and human courage to turn challenge into advantage. As AI and agentic systems emerge, managing platforms and infrastructure will only grow more complex, making purposeful leadership, adaptability and trusted partnerships more essential than ever.” Find out more about Kyndryl and Microsoft’s recent collaborations:https://bit.ly/4eMQtrj RETAIL & CG
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