CN partners with Google Cloud to modernize railway services

CN and Google Cloud announced a seven-year partnership to transform CN’s supply chain as part of digital scheduled railroading, deliver new customer experiences, and modernize its technology infrastructure in the cloud.

“Our partnership with Google Cloud is central to our strategic plan, and reinforces our commitment to digitalizing scheduled railroading and building the premier railway of the 21st century by investing in technologies that deliver high-quality service to customers, improve safety, and create capacity,” said Dominique Malenfant, Executive Vice-President and Chief Information and Technology Officer, CN. “We are excited to work together to drive further innovation across our company and support our customers, employees, and supply chain partners.”

As part of the partnership, CN and Google Cloud will collaborate on the following initiatives:

• CN will develop an intuitive digital platform, powered by Google Cloud’s artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools, giving customers and supply chain partners visibility into the logistics journey of planning, shipping, tracking and payment.
• Simplified ordering and automated tracking to enhance predictive maintenance capabilities.
• CN will move the majority of its digital infrastructure, including SAP applications, from on-premises to Google Cloud’s always-on global network.

“The transportation and logistics industry is evolving rapidly to build more resilient, responsive supply chains that adapt to global events and provide customers more visibility and flexibility,” said Jim Lambe, Managing Director, Google Cloud Canada. “We’re proud to partner with CN as it leverages technology to reimagine the future of the railway system.”