Four ways AI is transforming the supply chain and logistics industry

Rapidops, Inc.
6 min readSep 16, 2021

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the worldwide supply chain and logistics industry. Many logistics officials believe that the supply chain areas will significantly change in the next coming years.

AI can destabilize and support breakthroughs in sophisticated digital technologies like ML, big data, and natural language processing (NLP). Although computers can handle large amounts of data simultaneously, it isn’t easy to do so in a single decision-making method.

AI algorithms are helping machines assess endless prospects and numerous data sets, resulting in intelligent planning. Artificial Intelligence significantly eliminates human errors and assists in the completion of time-consuming jobs. As a result, with AI’s help, operational efficiency can be improved while costs are reduced.

Flexibility seems to be the essential key to success in periods of economic distress brought on by unexpected events. That’s why AI is consistently expanding in the logistics and supply chain as a tool that enables quick decision-making based on user experience and real-time data.

According to a recent research and markets analysis, AI is already redesigning operational processes and supporting cost-effective solutions and services. A report claims that AI has been integrated into services and solutions-

  • To improve all from automated processes
  • To offering improved visibility into static and real-time data,
  • Linked management information systems

Artificial intelligence in the supply chain market is expected to reach USD 10,110.2 million by 2025 from USD 730.6 million in 2018, at a CAGR of 45.55% during the forecast period.

The major players operating in the global AI in logistics and supply chain market ecosystem are-

  • FedEx
  • CSX
  • UPS
  • McLane Company
  • DHL

Moving on, here are some ways that explain how AI is doing wonders in the supply chain and logistics industry.

How is AI empowering the supply chain and logistics industry?

AI-based technologies will help uncover the actual power of technological advancement. Excellent customer experiences, more outstanding fleet management, faster deliveries, fewer safety accidents, and higher overall business profits will all be possible due to this.

The following are some of the ways AI is affecting logistics and supply chains:

1. Smart automation

Automation is the first step towards large-scale, cross-industry optimization. Many organizations have already adopted smart automation techniques to remain competitive. When the world is being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses shift to digitization, looking to implement more agility into the business systems and processes.

AI in the supply chain and logistics industry has come as a blessing; this technology plays a valuable part in the current business environment of the supply chain sector. AI is helping companies to adjust processes quickly, collaborate more efficiently with supply-chain stakeholders, and ensure that all resources are being used as optimally as possible.

Intelligent automation in the supply chain makes this industry more agile; with a suitable smart process automation strategy, you can utilize the AI-driven models to smoothen the workflow between human workers, line-of-business systems, RPA bots, and other tools. Smart automation with AI will help you with:

  • Enhancing visibility across your supply chain
  • Reduces risk
  • Improves compliances
  • Accelerate remote collaboration.

2. Big data

Logistics, just like any other sector, generates a massive volume of data. It would be more challenging to handle all of this material without a well-maintained data management system. Businesses can save money and minimize late shipments and daily calls by collecting data from numerous sources like-

  • Drivers’ applications
  • Devices
  • Systems

They can quickly examine how various aspects influence the delivery process.

You can receive insight into prior delivery statistics, driver reports and make changes using big data analytics. More than 91 percent of Fortune 1000 organizations are investing in big data.

Furthermore, AI-driven data analytics enables businesses to account for variables such as fleet repair schedules, vehicle sensors, terrible weather conditions, and fuel price fluctuations. It not only provides drivers with destination choices and helps them navigate more effectively, but it also allows businesses to reduce logistics expenses on a route-by-route basis.

3. Enhances customer experience

Businesses must forecast the volume of commodities they will need. If the business’s inventory is limited but competition is fierce, it will suffer significant losses. The best thing about AI systems is that they learn from every transaction, whether a chatbot encounter, an email, a text message, or customer reviews.

AI systems can store detailed records and evaluate data about a customer’s needs in real-time, sending the results to the appropriate users. Algorithms can be used by artificial intelligence to forecast trends.

According to numerous studies, AI computers almost consistently outperform human specialists when it comes to forecasting. AI now allows for the tracking and measurement of all relevant parameters to increase demand prediction accuracy. This information aids in warehouse management.

The data’s home is AI. It gathers information and manages it so that analysis is as simple as listening to a tale. Between development and final delivery, AI technology helps you evaluate and monitor all of the factors in the application. End-measures enable you to make accurate predictions about what is in demand and execute without wasting resources.

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve the customer experience. Integrating this technology implies tailoring the customer experience and, as a consequence, boosting loyalty.

4. Robotics automation

The warehouse robots can identify, track, and handle inventories. They also look after distribution locations’ packaging. To minimize misunderstandings, they work methodically and double-check all information numerous times to verify that each resident is in the correct location.

People believe that robotics will eventually replace humans. However, they appear to be there to reduce human error. Monitoring is an activity involving operational data in which humans frequently make errors. With robotics responsible for monitoring and testing, the risk of error is reduced, and thus the speed is increased.

So, what do you think? Will AI do wonders in the logistics and supply chain industry?

AI will set a new benchmark for efficiency in supply chain and logistics procedures shortly. It is now an essential component of any future software system.

The performance, accessibility, and prices of AI have never been better. Thanks to rapid technological advancements in the realms of big data, algorithmic development, connection, cloud computing, and processor power. The chaotic and fragmented logistics and supply chain business has been altered by introducing artificial intelligence, ML, and blockchain technologies.

The game is rapidly evolving. Ushering in a “new normal” is how global logistics organizations manage data, conduct operations, and service consumers in a more computerized, sophisticated, and effective manner.

Conclusion

Companies that handle global supply chains are under tremendous pressure to produce higher service standards at lower prices in an increasingly complicated and aggressive business world.

If you are also planning to take your supply chain business to the next level, AI is the key to your success door. Digitizing business in today’s era has become most important as who else does not want to see itself on top. Investing in technology will take time and money, but also it will share clear and impressive returns on your investments. So, what are you waiting for? Invest in AI today with us, and offer your business a new opportunity to grow and shine.

We can help you achieve your dreams with cutting-edge technology, Artificial Intelligence. Rapidops is a leading digital transformation company with advanced expertise in providing the best solutions with emerging technologies. So, connect with us today, discuss your requirements and see the magic of AI technology in your business process.

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Rapidops, Inc.

Rapidops is a product design, development & analytics consultancy. Follow us for insights on web, mobile, data, cloud, IoT. Website: https://www.rapidops.com/