Starbucks is reducing its dependence on Microsoft and IBM software with the help of AI.

Starbucks is developing internal tools with the help of artificial intelligence to replace some software applications currently purchased from suppliers like Microsoft and IBM. According to an internal presentation, Starbucks is building its own solution to replace Microsoft's inventory tracking system and IBM's maintenance management tools. Some of the in-house software developed by Starbucks may be launched by the end of next year after testing results are available. For years, the company has been limited by technology suppliers due to concerns about business interruptions and the complexity of building their own tools. Now, AI is changing this landscape, making it easier to develop applications from scratch, while also encouraging employees to use the technology. Starbucks Chief Technology Officer Anand Varadarajan told employees at an internal forum earlier this year that the company's annual spending on software alone is about $400 million. There are clear opportunities for reducing expenses in software spending.