Starbucks' AI project is turning past investments into data insights

Last year the chain launched its "bean to cup" blockchain pilot in an effort to create more transparency in its supply chain. The traceability technology is another mark in Starbucks' commitment to ethically sourcing coffee beans. The company relies on the expertise of tech vendors, including Microsoft, to push its initiatives. In May the company tapped Microsoft for Azure's reinforcement learning technology. The ML technology is designed to digest feedback and then "make decisions in complex, unpredictable environments."