In a bid to support processing huge data volume generated by vehicles using its technologies and further optimise connectivity of its components, enabling new vehicle functionalities, including automated driving and autonomous shuttles, ZF has expanded its strategic collaboration with Microsoft.
The mobility technology company is creating a holistic data and integration platform, the ZF Cloud, to digitalise all its industrial and operational production and business processes on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.
By leveraging Microsoft's comprehensive set of Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data technologies, ZF is becoming a cloud-native mobility services provider, delivering clean, safe, convenient, and affordable mobility solutions to its customers.
The company said it is investing billions of euros into the digital transformation over the following years to accelerate its digital transformation, with a significant amount in collaboration with Microsoft.
Wolf-Henning Scheider, CEO, ZF, said.'The data supplied by ZF products and our business processes will be integrated into a comprehensive cloud architecture in all areas. This enables us to significantly improve our efficiency and speed. We increasingly think and act like agile tech companies enabling us to better serve our customers around the globe. With Microsoft, we have an ideal partner who will make a significant contribution to the digitalisation of the entire ZF company.'
Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Microsoft, said, 'Digital transformation is reshaping the transportation industry, enabling mobility services providers to empower employees, enhance productivity and deliver unique customer solutions faster. In partnership with Microsoft, ZF is pushing its digital capabilities to the next level and using the Microsoft Cloud and AI solutions to accelerate the delivery of mobility innovations and streamline business operations through a digital work environment that helps its employees shape the future of mobility.'
Cloud functionalities will benefit all strategic technology fields where ZF is operating. Dr René Deist, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) in charge of driving digital transformation at ZF, said, 'The new ZF Cloud will enable a fully digitised and integrated sales and operations planning process along our end-to-end supply chain.'
The unified data platform combines specific customer requests with a rolling long-term demand forecast, which will allow the company to anticipate internal and external capacity needs based on new market developments. In addition, digitally connecting its supply chain with its Cloud will provide seamless end-to-end supply chain visibility and tracking of material movements. Full visibility enables a faster response to potentially challenging market developments to minimise or avoid supply chain interruptions and ensure timely customer deliveries, the company added.