How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Logistics Management

The rising popularity and prevalence of Artificial Intelligence have deeply transformed the ways the supply chain industry functions. AI/ML has been altering every aspect of the supply chain, ranging from inventory management to the way logistics are handled. 

Experts are of the opinion that as far as AI is concerned, it is just the beginning. The use of AI in logistics is in its initial phase, and things are only going to get more intense in years to come. Computers designed to think like the human brain can process a mammoth amount of data in an intelligent manner, which in turn significantly eases the decision-making process, and streamlines the entire logistics operation.  

Employing numerous data sets at its command through intelligent algorithms, a machine can derive meaningful insights from raw data, which can lead to efficient and effective strategy formulation. Also, computers making use of intelligent algorithms are unlikely to deliver erroneous results, which in turn maximizes operational efficiency, while minimizing operational costs. 

Here in the following paragraphs, we look at how AI-based solutions are revolutionizing the logistics management industry, and how a well-established AI development services provider can help organizations obtain a competitive advantage by allowing them to streamline their operations. 

Inventory Management

It is almost impossible for a business to successfully function in absence of a correctly maintained inventory. Lack of proper inventory management means the business has to deal with the problem of either under-stocking or overstocking, issues that could be highly detrimental for a business. Overstocking means that precious resources and storage space are tied up, which could be utilized somewhere else. Under-stocking means you cannot fulfill your customers’ orders, which means they will start looking somewhere else for their orders. A right inventory management system developed by a reputable logistics software development company ensures that the business concentrates on selling its products and increasing its revenue rather than worrying about product storage. 

AI can play a very crucial role here. Intelligent algorithms employed by AI ensure that the business can confidently manage its inventory as the demand is more or less accurately predicted. Algorithms that form the basis of AI can quickly analyze the demand pattern and, as such, can predict which products will remain in demand, and which products will fail to generate a higher level of enthusiasm from customers. This process is known as ‘demand forecasting’ is being extensively used by businesses (both brick and mortar and online) across the world. As such, businesses devoid of the need to base their stocking decision on a real-time basis can play safe and manage their stocks efficiently. 

Warehouse Security

AI has added an extra level of sophistication to facial recognition. This means that the machines are increasingly capable of handling security. As such, an unmanned warehouse can be kept safe as tracking all the people entering or exiting the facility has become rather easy. Moreover, machines can accurately keep track of products stored on shelves, as well as maintain an accurate record of items leaving or being placed on shelves by simply reading the barcode. 

Unmanned warehouses are fast catching the imagination of big businesses as they have the resources to invest in sophisticated technology that can maintain tight security at the warehouses while negating the possibility of any human error. 

Also Read: Logistics & Transport App Development Cost and Features

Supplier Relationship Management

The role of AI is not limited solely to shipping and logistics management in the entire supply chain management. An important thing to take note of is that an organization cannot function without a dependable supplier. For a seamless production process, it is imperative that you source the right item from the right supplier. When it comes to refilling inventory or for that matter when the need arises for recalibrating items, it is important to have a trustworthy supplier by your side for smooth operation.

AI can prove to be of invaluable help in aiding an organization to choose the best suppliers by vigorously monitoring parameters such as cost, past experience, delivery mechanism, trustworthiness, and credit score to name a few, and coming up with the best option for the business. It creates a win-win situation for both the supplier and the manufacturer by generating trust and ensuring that the relationship between the involved parties remains on a solid footing through better understanding and faith. 

Workforce Management

Despite all the technology and sophisticated software being developed by topline logistic software development companies, it is of utmost importance to note that AI/ML cannot (at least till the near future) completely replace human beings. However, technology can be of great help in helping an organization run more efficiently by helping it manage and train its human resources in a more efficient and productive way. In fact, AI is being extensively used by modern organizations to recruit, train, and develop employees. Software development by reputable AI development services providers is being put into use by the HR department to monitor an employee’s performance over time, identify loopholes and train them to up their skills. Employing technology to identify an employee’s strengths and weaknesses, and subsequently training them ensures the best fit for the best job. 

Conclusion

AI in logistics management is a relatively new concept but it is fast catching the fancy of modern organizations. There are instances of big names like Rolls Royce, UPS, and Lineage to name a few that are using AI to streamline their supply chain operations. In fact, Lineage Logistics, which is one of the biggest names in the temperature-controlled logistics industry, is making use of AI to determine the items which are likely to stay longer in the warehouse as compared to other items. It is predicted that there is going to be a three-fold rise in AI development services in the next three to four years. Reports suggest that in the next decade or so, more than 80% of the technology will have their foundation in AI. Businesses that are proactive in adopting the latest technology in shipping and logistics management are most likely to dominate the competition.