Tata Consultancy Services has extended its partnership with retail pharmacy giant Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) to transform its global IT function with a blend of artificial intelligence, machine learning and software engineering.

Together, they aim to launch a new operating model for IT run and operational services. This should let WBA accelerate its digitalisation programme to advance innovation for customers, drive organisational efficiencies across the company and reduce its cost base.

The expansion of the partnership is based on WBA’s review of its IT operating model and vendor landscape. As a result, the WBA global IT team will focus on leading and supporting technology projects that create customer value through the development of digital products and services on its business platforms.

“WBA is building a scalable, sustainable and globally unified IT operating model that is focused on digital transformation, automation of service delivery and innovation,” said Francesco Tinto, senior vice president at WBA. “The Tata strategic partnership will enhance our ability to rapidly address evolving business needs, support large-scale global technology and promote investment in truly differentiating capabilities through a modernised platform.”

Following a period of transition, Tata will provide run and operational managed services, including application maintenance and support, infrastructure and security operations. The approach will blend artificial intelligence, machine learning and software engineering to enhance operational resilience and boost productivity.

“We are delighted to build on our long-standing relationship with WBA and enable its growth and transformation,” said Ashish Khurana, head of retail industry at Tata. “We will leverage our contextual knowledge of WBA’s business ecosystem to harness the power of digital technologies to streamline and scale-up their IT operations, while helping accelerate transformational initiatives that enhance the customer experience.”

Including equity method investments, WBA has a presence in more than 25 countries, employs more than 440,000 people and has more than 18,750 stores.