Barcelona, October 23, 2020.- The present of transport and logistics companies, within any supply chain, is technology to gain competitiveness, efficiency and security. We need to control all sources of information, all types of data, in any format. And then, interpret the large volume of figures and data to extract business decisions, day by day. Here is an Information Age report on different success stories in the implementation of artifical intelligence in supply chain companies:
“The global logistics industry is expected to increase to a value of $3,215 billion by 2021,” said Philip Ashton, CEO of 7bridges. “AI solutions in transport and logistics (T&L) are part of this growth, and will be essential for meeting consumers’ increasingly high expectations.
This article will delve into the many use cases that AI and automation has within the transport and logistics sector at present and going forward.
One kind of AI implementation that has been leveraged within the sector is a way to efficiently read masses of various data types, known as Cognitive Machine Reading.
Asheesh Mehra, group CEO of Antworks, explained: “The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a period of difficulty and uncertainty within the logistics and transport industry. Travel and operational restrictions have caused up to 75% of companies to experience significant disruptions to their supply chain operations. However, for those companies that have taken action to digitalise, automation has played a critical role in supporting and maintaining business as usual for processes such as logistics planning and customer billing.
“Cognitive Machine Reading (CMR)-based automation tools are reducing the arduous and time-consuming manual tasks traditionally associated with logistics planning. CMR does this by analysing, extracting and processing both structured and unstructured data formats, to quickly generate highly accurate reports for forecasting and follow-through operations.
“CMR is also transforming how companies process their billing mechanisms, another activity that is typically manually intensive. An example is a global transport and logistics company that managed to increase the accuracy of their billing procedures by up to 80% through CMR automation and reduced processing times by 63%.”
AIoT
A second kind of technology that has been disrupting the transport and logistics sector combines AI with the Internet of Things (IoT).
“The fast inroads made by emerging and new technologies have left transport and logistics companies with a lot of catching up to do,” said Anshuman Singh, vice-president and head of consulting, Europe at Mindtree. “In 2019, we saw an increase in an infusion of IoT into existing scenarios – with most of the challenges around adding IoT/sensor capabilities and enabling intelligence on the edge being resolved under AIoT.
“While the original purpose behind enabling these capabilities may have been to do with early prediction of faults or optimising usage patterns for efficiency, the large volume of data now available from these devices/sensors has opened up new avenues of exploration and optimisation.”
Singh went on to explain that progression occurred in the following three stages:
- Enabling core capabilities on the edge – these included basic sensor development, integration with available devices.
- Collecting the data generated from these sensors and storing them in a structured form on a central data store or data lake – typically on the cloud.
- Realising the synergy between AI/ML and IoT and combining them together into AIoT.
“Focus in this area has also been evolving along with the core technology itself – shifting towards applications of AIoT – away from initial device capabilities/integration. While IoT provided access to a large base of information, AI has enabled the creation of intelligent and energy efficient freight systems, enabling us to excel in energy sustainability, while in pursuit of our goal for greater supply chain orchestration.”
AI in aviation
Bhanu Choudhrie, executive director at C&C Alpha Group, explained how AI has, and can continue to assist operations within aviation, an industry that was particularly impacted by the pandemic due to demand plummeting.
“AI technologies have already been widely adopted across the air transport industry,” said Choudhrie. “From facial recognition at airport passport security to baggage check-in and remote aircraft monitoring, for years these innovations have been streamlining processes, both for operators and customers. However, AI has a much greater potential beyond these current applications.
“AI can play a pivotal role in revolutionising the aviation industry and Alpha Aviation Group is already working closely with both regulators and airlines to develop its potential in supporting the efficiency of air transport and future pilot pools.
“AI and machine learning algorithms excel at recognising patterns and are extremely efficient at collating data from the process of training cadets. As most flight simulators are already equipped with sensors that generate considerable amounts of data, this resource can now be used to assess pilot competency from the onset of training.
“Powerful AI and machine learning systems can analyse hundreds of flight parameters and sort through thousands of hours of simulator data to produce findings that a human coach wouldn’t have been able to determine. For example, AI programmes can evaluate a pilot’s ability as they execute key manoeuvres and create a comprehensive assessment of a cadet’s strengths and weaknesses based on real-time data.”
Supply chain management
A major aspect of transport and logistics operations is managing supply chains, and John Malpass, retail consultancy practice lead EMEA at Teradata, provided insight into how this area can benefit from AI.
“AI presents one of the biggest and most promising technological advancement opportunities facing the logistics and transport industry, not just in terms of robotics to replace manual tasks, but in the way we think about and manage the entire supply chain,” said Malpass. “Using AI to simply improve existing processes will, however, limit the potential value it can deliver. The technology really proves its worth when we use it to transform ways of working and business processes.
“Operating at the epicenter of this transformative change with AI is data. Integrating disparate data from the end to end supply chain and orchestrating it through automated analytics capabilities will enable new insights based approaches to optimise and operate the supply chain. Approaches which will allow users to think holistically about how the supply chain is managed in ways they have never been able to before.
“Using the combination of integrated data and predictive real-time automation, users can renovate and rethink outdated, manually intensive business processes. If implemented correctly, artificial intelligence will introduce new game changing capabilities which will drive a whole new way of working across the logistics and transport sectors delivering transformational and lasting change.”
Lastly, AI is capable of monitoring weather conditions in order to help find ways round coinciding problems, according to Peter Van Merode, vice-president, 3PL industry strategy at Blue Yonder.
He explained: “AI can play a key role in identifying potential transport and logistics disruptions, using information such as weather and expiration date of products in combination with machine learning (ML) to minimise problems, or avoid them altogether.
“For example, if AI spots that rough seas might potentially lead to a port being closed, ML can then be used to help retailers navigate the problem by advising another route to take. This is crucial as a delay to a boatful of vegetables arriving could lead to them having a shorter shelf life, or even perishing before they reach the store.
“Avoiding these kinds of logistical problems helps with efficiency while also dramatically cutting waste, ultimately helping retailers to increase profits.”
Transportation and Logistics Software
- AndSoft Global TMSBarcelona, May 23, 2023.-
- Technical explanation on developing AI solutions in your supply chainBarcelona, May 19, 2023.- The company QuyTech has published an extensive technical analysis with the implications and benefits of artificial intelligence in the supply chain. It is useful for any type of company:
- CEVA Logistics: “AI is making logistics more predictable”Barcelona, May 18, 2023.- Below we reproduce in full a dialogue between Ceva Logistics and IBM on the application of AI in the supply chain. The text has been published by Ceva Logistics on its website:
- What companies, really, use artificial intelligence in their supply chain?Barcelona, May 11, 2023.- The expert portal Talking Logistics and its promoter, Adrián González, answer this question with this analysis:
- Gartner shows the preventions to smart factoriesBarcelona, May 8, 2023.- The prestigious consulting firm Gartner has explained the precautions that exist for the smart factory. The benefits are numerous, but also the caveats:
- “Real-time data transparency is key to the next generation of supply chain management”Barcelona, May 3, 2023.- What do consumers ask of supply chains today? What are the requirements for all professionals and companies in the supply chain?. Supply Chain Brain magazine responded like this:
- AndSoft at the SIL 2023: Stand E 532 from June 7 to 9Barcelona, April 27, 2023.-
- AndSoft Corporate eTMSBarcelona, April 18, 2023.-
- Report: AndSoft implements eTMS and eFMS in the transport company TLM 18Barcelona, April 5, 2023.- Our eTMS and eFMS solutions were implemented in Transports TLM 18. Read this step by step article to learn more about the full process:
- Trains powered by solar energy?: Switzerland says yesBarcelona, March 29, 2023.- According to The Brighter World, Switzerland is set to become the first country in the world to install solar panels between railway tracks. This innovative project aims to harness the power of the sun to provide renewable energy for the country’s railway system.
- AndSoft announces on its 25th anniversary the launch of new products and a new evolution of its technological platformBarcelona, March 21, 2023.- AndSoft, a European manufacturer of transport and logistics management software (TMS), celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. To commemorate this event, it has organized a Convention in Barcelona for all its employees spread over several European countries. At the same time, Víctor Vilas, BDM AndSoft, and Pilu Morante, Product Manager AndSoft, explained… Continue reading AndSoft announces on its 25th anniversary the launch of new products and a new evolution of its technological platform
- “We were working in a global manufacturing hub-and-spoke model, relying on a single manufacturing hub for the world”Barcelona, 13 de marzo del 2023.- Supply Chain Management Review magazine has published this logistics analysis of Jaime Mora, a seasoned procurement specialist, has worked for Constellation Brands, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Heineken International:
- Geofencing and Mobility ManagementBarcelona, March 6, 2023.- AMS Institute (Amsterdam) has published an interesting analysis on Geofencing and Urban Mobility:
- “The White House’s supply-chain envoy said the ports and logistics industry must move toward automation”Barcelona, March 2, 2023.- The present and future of the logistics industry is very clear for some Public Administrations such as the USA:
- 6 ways AI is transforming warehouse operationsBarcelona, February 27, 2023.- Warehouse & Logistics News has published an analysis on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in warehouse operations:
- “Physicists at Google have reached what they describe as their second milestone along the path to a useful quantum computer”Barcelona, February 23, 2023.- According to Nature, at a laboratory in Santa Barbara, California, they have demonstrated that they can lower the error rate of calculations by making their quantum code bigger.
- Podcast: “International Supply Chain Challenges”Barcelona, February 20, 2023.- Logistics Business magazine has launched a series of podcasts. ‘Logistics Business Conversations’ are monthly, topical and exclusive talks with key informative spokespeople from the supply chain industry.
- “Supply chains must build their data collection and analysis platforms around where they’ve been, where they want to go, and how they’re going to get there”Barcelona, February 16, 2023.- The analysis of data from different sources in freight transport is a definitive variable. Analyze data to extract business decisions and anticipate demand. Supply Chain Brain magazine has published a diagnosis on this activity:
- 5 ways weather impacts freight shipmentsBarcelona, February 13, 2023.-
- Keys to analyze the context of your supply chain and anticipateBarcelona, February 9, 2023.- Doug Wagoner is chief executive officer of Echo Global Logistics has published an analysis in Supply Chain Brain that may be useful for your company. The keys to take into account to anticipate the logistics context:
- “Automation and artificial intelligence will be key drivers for procurement teams”According to an analysis of the Material Handling & Logistics magazine, the pressure of inflation is showing up in supply chain management as research, 2023 Voices of Sourcing, by Keelvar, found that 91% of supply chains are feeling its impact in the form of increased pressure on procurement teams to cut costs.… Continue reading “Automation and artificial intelligence will be key drivers for procurement teams”
- “Creating a resilient supply chain is the key theme for 2023”Barcelona, February 2, 2023.- Resilience in supply chain management is an area of knowledge that has been highly developed in the last three years. Next, a new contribution:
- Skyports Drone and Pyka have agreed on a partnership for heavy payload drone logisticsBarcelona, January 30, 2023.- According to the Post & Parcel magazine, the market for logistics drones for heavy loads starts:
- The Top 11 Work Truck Fleet Productivity TipsBarcelona, January 26, 2023.- The management of truck fleets for the transport of goods is one of the variables to take into account in any logistics business. The recommendations that WorkTruck has published are very interesting:
- “Generational differences in purchasing are among the changes in the supply chain companies must respond to”Barcelona, 23 de enero del 2023.-
- Top 5 trends in automationBarcelona, January 19, 2023.- The Analytics Insight magazine has prepared a diagnosis on the state of automation and its main keys for its implementation:
- How Self Driving Trucks Can Improve Logistics?Barcelona, January 16, 2023.-
- Governments around the world ramp up the ESG requirements for global supply chainsBarcelona, January 9, 2023.- According to the Logistics Manager magazine, a new law that is being enforced from the beginning of 2023 means that German companies will now face fines of up to 2% of their global turnover if they fail to provide a comprehensive account of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks in… Continue reading Governments around the world ramp up the ESG requirements for global supply chains
- Korea’s e-commerce giant Coupang to invest in logistics automationBarcelona, December 22, 2022.- CMES Robotics AI vision technology identifies in real time how best to pick random boxes to build case pallets with maximum efficiency – AI vision driven – Picks up boxes/bags of mixed sizes and shapes, then stack them onto a pallet in an optimal form – Speed : 360 – 600… Continue reading Korea’s e-commerce giant Coupang to invest in logistics automation
- “Deep learning methods can become a very valuable tool for obtaining accurate estimates of the position of objects”Barcelona, December 12, 2022.- Industrial Distribution magazine has published an interesting analysis on the advantages of Artificial Intelligence in industrial environments:
- Reuters: “Maersk, IBM discontinue shipping blockchain platform”Barcelona, Dec 5, 2022.- Shipping company Maersk (MAERSKb.CO) said it would discontinue a blockchain platform announced in 2018 in partnership with IBM (IBM.N) with the aim of limiting the industry’s costly paper trail.
- “Implementing a reverse logistics strategy can be vital to the success of your business”Barcelona, November 28, 2022.- Mahesh Nandyala, Chief Product Officer at CoEnterprise, has published a professional analysis on Reverse Logistics in Forbes magazine. The keys of it are interesting for any type of company:
- Autonomous driving startup Waabi just deployed its first robotic semi-trucks for on-road testing in the U.S.Barcelona, November 21, 2022.- The autonomous driving of trucks for the transport of goods seems to be going at the same pace as autonomous vehicles for people. Perhaps there are more vehicle manufacturers testing different technologies for autonomous driving. Forbes magazine has published advances in autonomous driving for semi-trucks:
- Why American and European Trucks Are So Different?Barcelona, November 14, 2022.-
- Resilience in the medical supply chainBarcelona, November 7, 2022.- The magazine Supply Chain Management Review has published an analysis on the advantages of adopting resilience strategies in the supply chain of medical providers. The result is as follows:
- “Post-pandemic, grocery logistics will never be the same”Barcelona, October 18, 2022.-
- Transportation Software: “Shipments are only registered once”Barcelona, October 13, 2022.- AndSoft, a leading company in manufacturing TMS software for transport companies, highlights that shipments are registered in the e-TMS AndSoft in different ways and the client chooses the most comfortable and with the most information possible in order to make the delivery. Furthermore, each expedition is recorded only once.
- Transportation Software: “Creating your own itineraries allows greater cost control and savings in route management”Barcelona, October 11, 2022.- AndSoft, a leading company in manufacturing TMS software for transport companies, allows the configuration of the ideal itineraries on each route, both to control costs and achieve savings. There are free tools to calculate routes, but they are designed for cars. For this reason, e-TMS AndSoft has PTV as a partner, for… Continue reading Transportation Software: “Creating your own itineraries allows greater cost control and savings in route management”
- Transport Software: “e- TMS AndSoft allows the pricing of shipments to be an automatic management”Barcelona, October 10, 2022.- AndSoft, a leading company in manufacturing TMS software for transport companies, details that the pricing is resolved to be an automatic management for the transport planner. All the prices, for sale or purchase, the load unit, the restrictions, the updates, and the name of each company, are offered by e-TMS AndSoft.… Continue reading Transport Software: “e- TMS AndSoft allows the pricing of shipments to be an automatic management”
- Transportation Software: “A simple chat within TMS has meant a great improvement in the communication of alerts and incidents of transport companies”Barcelona, October 7, 2022.- A Messaging Service, chat, within e-TMS AndSoft has been decisive, for example, to communicate alerts to drivers: