Marks and Spencer is to participate in the development of an autonomous supply chain network, after its lead technology partners announced they would work together to accelerate research into human-machine collaboration.

The High Street retailer announced its involvement with the technology being developed jointly by Tata Consultancy Services and JDA Software - both technology partners leading the retailer’s £25 million digital transformation programme.

The so-called cognitive supply chain solutions, which will rely upon artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in new human-machine functions to process orders, inventory and product delivery.

The ultimate goal for the partnership is for businesses to be able to realise outcome-based supply chain transformations, enabling complete supply chain visibility and prescriptive recommendations enabling more accurate business decisions and better customer services.

Carl Dawson, chief information officer at M&S, said:“The ability to transition towards an autonomous supply chain working hand-in-hand with TCS and JDA presents the opportunity to give us the complete supply chain visibility we need, combined with recommendations to make profitable business decisions.”

The announcement comes as M&S accelerates the progress of its digital transformation programme, which is aimed at reorienting the High Street retailer towards a digital first approach as consumer spending shifts online.

Last month it was reported that the retailer was in talks with grocery delivery and logistics firm Ocado over a potential tie up to expand the retailer’s dedicated online food business.

M&S also announced that its digital transformation programme would result in the closure of a further 17 stores as part of plans to shutter 100 by 2022.

So far its digital transformation strategy has involved partnerships with technology firms for services including in-store charging, call centre automation and AI-powered photo search.

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