DS Smith selects AWS as its preferred cloud provider to accelerate digital transformation and support sustainable solutions

22 September 2023

DS Smith plc, a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has announced its selection of Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider to propel innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and champion sustainable initiatives. DS Smith's strategic focus will involve harnessing the power of data to drive growth and efficiency throughout its operations. This includes real-time monitoring of manufacturing capacity and supply chain management to support vital sustainability objectives.

DS Smith will leverage AWS's extensive global infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. This collaboration will enable DS Smith to derive deeper business insights, create new digital customer experiences, and implement scalable automation across its supply chain.

Key initiatives include:

Establishing a Data Factory with AWS: This initiative will consolidate data from various facets of DS Smith's operations, including machinery, facilities, logistics, processes, and products. By applying machine learning algorithms and analytics on AWS, DS Smith aims to gain actionable insights and make data-driven decisions to optimize operations, predict customer demand, and reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Real-time Monitoring: DS Smith will utilize AWS for real-time monitoring of manufacturing capacity and supply chain operations, providing a holistic view of the end-to-end process. This capability will enable DS Smith to adopt a more agile and responsive approach to supply chain management by anticipating and addressing issues like machine downtime through predictive maintenance.

To support this transformation, AWS will collaborate with DS Smith by conducting an AWS Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) and delivering cloud skills training and development programs. These programs may include innovative learning experiences like AWS DeepRacer, collaborative learning through AWS GameDay, and problem-solving via AWS Jams.

Claire Dickson, Group Chief Information Officer at DS Smith, highlighted the pivotal role of AWS in their digital journey, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital and data solutions in enhancing customer support and addressing sustainability challenges. She also noted the significant changes in DS Smith's business over the past decade and its ongoing transformation.

Jeff Johnson, General Manager UKI at AWS, commended DS Smith's cloud migration journey, emphasizing the role of data in driving transformation and innovation. AWS is proud to support DS Smith in building and delivering innovative solutions that will shape the future of supply chains and manufacturing.

At the core of DS Smith's business model is circularity, aligning with its purpose to "Redefine Packaging for a Changing World." The partnership with AWS will align with key elements of DS Smith's Now & Next Sustainability Strategy, focusing on circularity, carbon reduction, people and communities, and nature preservation. This collaboration supports DS Smith's commitment to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and a science-based target to reduce GHG emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2019.

Data plays a pivotal role in these sustainability goals, and AWS will assist DS Smith in aggregating data related to machinery, facilities, logistics, personnel, processes, and products to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and lower carbon emissions.


Source:prnewswire.com