The IBM Sterling supply chain platform will now feature additional integrations developed by Salesforce, Publicis Sapient, IBM Services and others, a Jan. 13 press release reads. The additions will allow the blockchain and AI-based suite to quickly solve returns and cross-channel logistics challenges.

IBM Services and Bluewolf are jointly developing a connector service to join IBM Sterling with Salesforce Commerce, Service and Marketing Clouds. The integration would help retailers to blend the offline and online shopping experience.

The platform’s aim is to reduce shopping frictions through a better organization for retailers, primarily by optimizing front and back-office connectivity and product returns.

On the other hand, Publicis Sapient specifically focuses on returns optimization. It plans to extend IBM Sterling AI capabilities with a control tower blueprint. This would simplify the process of organizing returns and the need to bring products to the correct location.

Other providers such as project44 automate inefficiencies in the carrier networks. Its Advanced Visibility Platform improves the accuracy of shipment ETAs, identifies important bottlenecks in the supply chain and helps respond to events quicker.

IBM’s supply chain business

The IBM Sterling platform is the latest in a series of the company’s developments in the supply chain industry. Launched in October 2019, Sterling focuses on integrating data between the various participants of the supply chain.

Other supply chain solutions developed by IBM include TradeLens, a shipping tracking solution jointly developed with Maersk. In addition, it has a strong presence in the food industry thanks to partnerships with major coffee distributors and retail giants such as Carrefour.