DS Smith, a packaging solutions provider, has formed a strategic partnership with Hitachi Digital Services, a digital consultancy and technology services provider, to modernise its integration platform and speed up digital innovation.
Hitachi Digital Services will design and develop DS Smith’s AI and system integrations by utilising technologies to drive innovation in complex manufacturing and packaging environments.
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DS Smith’s current integration platform, Microsoft BizTalk, is nearing end-of-life support in 2027, prompting the company to seek a futureproof solution leveraging integration platform as a service capability.
The company’s partnership with Hitachi Digital Services will see its transition to a cloud-based, AI-powered integration ecosystem built on the Boomi platform. Furthermore, the company will be able to transition from legacy middleware, optimise system interoperability, and boost business agility.
DS Smith IT applications and platforms director Leon Gelderblom said: “This partnership with Hitachi Digital Services represents a major step forward in DS Smith’s digital transformation journey.
“By modernising our integration infrastructure, we are not only improving efficiency but also futureproofing our operations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”
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By GlobalDataThe new partnership will offer accelerated integration deployment, enabling DS Smith to respond more quickly to market demands and evolving customer needs.
The cloud-based system will provide enhanced resilience and reliability, ensuring robust and secure data flows, Hitachi Digital Services stated.
AI-driven efficiency will automate integration processes, reducing maintenance overheads and allowing teams to concentrate on strategic business initiatives.
Additionally, the solution’s application programming interface (API)-first architecture is expected to improve connectivity with customers and vendors, thereby reducing onboarding times.
DS Smith, with approximately 5,000 current integrations, 300 packaging centres, and more than 12 mills, has a multifaceted task in moving to an updated platform.
Hitachi Digital Services stated that it will oversee the planning, execution, and migration, facilitating a smooth shift while preserving uninterrupted business operations.
Hitachi Digital Services CEO Roger Lvin said: “At Hitachi Digital Services, we are committed to bringing industry-leading expertise to our clients, helping them navigate complex digital transformations with innovative solutions.
“Our work with DS Smith exemplifies this approach, delivering a cutting-edge integration platform that leverages cloud capabilities, AI-driven automation, and modern API connectivity. This initiative not only enhances DS Smith’s operational agility but also reinforces our broader mission to drive digital excellence across industries.”
In April this year, DS Smith partnered with automotive components supplier TPV Automotive to develop an eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging solution for Bayerische Motoren Werke’s car wheel carriers.
