JDA Software to acquire Blue Yonder

JDA

JDA Software Inc., a leading provider of end-to-end retail and supply chain solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Blue Yonder, the market leader in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for retail. This acquisition reflects the increasing importance of connecting intelligent data and insights to enable more profitable, autonomous supply chain decisions and optimized customer experiences. It builds on JDA’s strategy of developing cognitive and connected solutions to power digital transformations for companies seeking to create a competitive advantage for their supply chains.

Founded in 2008 in Karlsruhe, Germany and with activities in Europe and the USA, Blue Yonder’s AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities are helping to accelerate digital transformations in the retail and supply chain sectors. UK supermarket chain WM Morrisons and e-commerce company Otto are among the leading companies already utilizing Blue Yonder’s solutions to automate complex decisions that deliver higher profits and differentiated customer experiences based on leading AI/ML algorithms.

Automating profitable business decisions

Following the acquisition, Blue Yonder’s proven data science capabilities will allow JDA to embed new levels of actionable intelligence more quickly across all areas of its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution roadmap, from retail/supply chain planning and execution through to labour management and omni-channel delivery. For example, the JDA Luminate solutions, including the Luminate ControlTower which connects data and enables visibility across a company’s extended supply chain, will benefit from Blue Yonder’s proven cognitive capabilities and rich, deep learnings to automate more profitable business decisions. In terms of JDA’s retail planning solutions, Blue Yonder’s ML capabilities will offer immediate opportunities for retail customers to dynamically improve their pricing, promotions, markdowns and replenishment capabilities. Besides that, Blue Yonder’s advanced forecasting will drive substantial benefits to fast and short lifecycle products, benefiting the fresh food chain and leading to less waste, optimized labour and improved sustainability.

“Major digital transformation of supply chains is underway and the ability to quickly access intelligent, actionable data and insights will determine the future winners and losers,” said Girish Rishi (image), CEO of JDA. “Our end-to-end solution portfolio, coupled with Blue Yonder’s leading AI/ML capabilities, will enable customers to unlock the full business impact of intelligent data.” Uwe Weiss, Blue Yonder’s CEO, added: “With JDA’s global scope and reach, we have a terrific opportunity to drive the use of our AI solutions throughout the world’s largest and most complex supply chains and to support companies in driving AI innovation and automated decisions in complex supply chains.”

JDA’s acquisition of Blue Yonder is expected to close in August, subject to competition agency approval.