DS Smith partners with Hitachi Digital Services to modernize integration platform

UK – DS Smith, a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with Hitachi Digital Services to modernize its integration platform and accelerate digital innovation across its global operations.

Hitachi Digital Services, a consultancy and technology solutions firm, will help design and develop DS Smith’s AI-enabled system integrations.

By deploying advanced technologies, the initiative aims to drive innovation across DS Smith’s complex manufacturing and packaging environments.

The collaboration comes as DS Smith’s current integration platform, Microsoft BizTalk, approaches end-of-life support in 2027.

To prepare for this transition, the company is investing in a future-ready, cloud-based integration ecosystem powered by the Boomi platform.

This new architecture will replace legacy middleware, improve interoperability, and enhance business agility.

“This partnership with Hitachi Digital Services represents a major step forward in DS Smith’s digital transformation journey,” said Leon Gelderblom, Director of IT Applications and Platforms at DS Smith.

“By modernizing our integration infrastructure, we are not only improving efficiency but also futureproofing our operations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”

The new system will offer faster deployment of integrations, enabling DS Smith to respond more quickly to shifting market demands and customer expectations.

Built on a cloud-native, API-first foundation, the platform will also improve connectivity with customers and suppliers, reducing onboarding times and enabling more flexible collaboration.

In addition, the use of AI will help automate integration workflows, reduce maintenance workloads, and free up teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Hitachi Digital Services emphasised the system’s resilience, reliability, and robust security – critical factors for DS Smith, which manages around 5,000 integrations across 300 packaging centres and more than 12 mills.

The technology partner will lead the planning, execution, and migration to ensure a smooth transition with no disruption to business operations.

“At Hitachi Digital Services, we are committed to guiding our clients through complex digital transformations with innovative, industry-leading solutions,” said Roger Lvin, CEO of Hitachi Digital Services.

“Our collaboration with DS Smith showcases this mission by delivering a cloud-enabled, AI-powered integration platform that enhances operational agility and supports long-term growth.”

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