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
- The German Shipbuilding demanding Berlin and other European governments reduce their dependence on China for all things maritime
Barcelona, May 24, 2022.- According to Splash247.com magazine, the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) has issued a very strongly worded release, demanding Berlin and other European governments reduce their dependence on China for all things maritime. - “Supply chain management will continue to face disruptions in 2022 and as executives continue to prioritize digital transformation”
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- “Digital transformation is revolutionizing global shipping”
Barcelona, May 3, 2022.- - Shenzhen’s lockdown will only make supply chain issues worse
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Barcelona, April 19, 2022.– Business Insider has published a report on the quality of artificial intelligence (AI) in the daily management of a supply chain. The savings and benefits are as follows: - “It could take five years for UK ports to get back to pre-pandemic freight levels”
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Barcelona, April 5, 2022.- The Web Archive Today has published the following analysis on logistics prices in the United States, specifically the prices of freight in maritime transport that increased during the Pandemic. The risks of very high inflation worry all governments. - Hyperloop: The utopia of transporting goods at 1,000 km/h
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Barcelona, March 22, 2022.- Logistics Manager magazine has published a report on the profile of consumers in their purchasing habits, recommendations and loyalty. The success of logistics is the success of a contextual and loyal customer. - AndSoft Stand F81 at SITL Paris logistics fair from April 5 to 8
Barcelona, March 15, 2022.- AndSoft will take advantage of its stand F81 at SITL in Paris (April 5-8) to explain to transport, logistics and technology professionals the latest developments in its eTMS platform. The digitization of freight transport has accelerated in the last two years and AndSoft has created new solutions to respond to the… Continue reading AndSoft Stand F81 at SITL Paris logistics fair from April 5 to 8 - Success Story: Drones to distribute fresh food in Australia
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- “Shippers have broadened their definition of carrier capacity management to include new and effective ways to lessen the carrier capacity crunch”
Barcelona, February 15, 2022.- Logistics ViewPoint magazine has published an interesting reflection on the current situation for freight shippers and the global logistics collapse. These are the main theses: - IRU: “European road freight rates index up 1.1 points in Q4, hitting a new record”
Barcelona, February 8, 2022.- As reported by the IRU, the European Road Freight Rate Benchmark for Q4 2021 shows that prices ended 2021 at historic highs across Europe, driven by a volatile mix of drivers over the year with supply chain congestion, supply shortages, cost increases and spiking demand from economic reopenings across the region.… Continue reading IRU: “European road freight rates index up 1.1 points in Q4, hitting a new record” - “Logistics companies must leverage technological tools and incorporate them as much as possible into their core systems”Barcelona, February 7, 2022.-
- Fully Automated Warehouse
Barcelona, January 25, 2022.- The Warehouse of the future is a concept that has been extensively studied by logistics professionals. The Witron company has designed its proposal for the warehouse of tomorrow, fully automated without operators: - “2022 will see manufacturers digitalise their logistics systems and streamline their supply chains to future-proof themselves against further disruptions”
Barcelona, January 18, 2022.- The Supply Chain Digital magazine analyzes current technologies for the supply chain. Below, we reproduce their main conclusions: - Pre-pandemic typically 2% of containership capacity was caught up in delays, a figure that shot up to 11% in 2021Barcelona, January 11, 2022.- According to the magazine Splash247, a trend in the maritime transport of containers is confirmed with direct consequences on the delivery times of international trade.
- World’s First “Driver Out” Fully Autonomous Semi-Truck Operating on Open Public Roads
Barcelona, January 4, 2021.- - AndSoft wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022
Barcelona, December 21, 2021.- - Logistics Manager: “11,000 HGV driver training places now available across England with new Government funding”
Barcelona, December 14, 2021.- England has begun to solve the shortage of thousands of truckers for the transport of goods. Logistics Manager magazine has reported all the details. A solution that perhaps other European countries should emulate. - Walmart’s Self-Driving Trucks Are Hitting the Road
Barcelona, November 30, 2021.- - The Port of Barcelona: From 2.0 to 4.0
Barcelona, 10 de noviembre del 2021.- The Port of Barcelona has presented the grants for innovative ideas and projects of Ports 4.0, the corporate open innovation model of Puertos del Estado and the Spanish Port Authorities. - AndSoft receives the award for global management leadership for transportation from La Razón newspaper
Barcelona, november 2, 2021.- AndSoft, a European company manufacturer of software for transport and logistics, received the Award for global management leadership for transport during the ceremony of the V Awards of Technology and Innovation of the newspaper La Razón, this past October 27 at the Hotel Eurostars Madrid Tower. - Autonomous Trucking Technology Company Plus Expands Business to Europe
- Procter & Gamble warns Of Higher Supply Chain Costs
Barcelona, October 19, 2021.– According to European Supermarket magazine, P&G has confirmed the increase in prices in its supply chain, due to the logistical consequences in international trade and the shortage of raw materials. Procter & Gamble Co beat quarterly sales estimates as easing of pandemic-related restrictions boosted demand for its personal care products, while the company… Continue reading Procter & Gamble warns Of Higher Supply Chain Costs - Suez Canal Sets New Record for Traffic Volume
Barcelona, October 5, 2021.- As published by The Maritime Executive, the Suez Canal Authority has shattered its record for the daily number of ships passing through the strategic waterway. On Wednesday, it handled a total of 87 vessels, easily surpassing the previous record of 75, which was set on February 6, 2019. - UK urgently needs 5,000 truck drivers to solve supply problems in products such as gasoline
Barcelona, September 28, 2021.- The shortage of truck drivers is a common problem in several countries. However, in the UK the need has become very urgent in recent days. The service stations register large queues due to the shortage of diesel. Reuters has described the situation with the following information: - Top chief information officers are focusing on cloud technology, AI and data, and their relationship with the C-suite
Barcelona, September 21, 2021.- According to MIT Management, the professional approach of the CIO is changing, according to the current economic and technological situation. Here are the main conclusions of this analysis: - AndSoft will present, during the Paris SITL, an improved software for European sustainable transport and our contribution to the digital transformation of the sector
Barcelona, 6st of September 2021.- AndSoft, is a European company that develops software for transport and logistics, that will be presenting, at the E65 stand at the SITL in Paris (13th -15th of September), the latest developments that are in accordance with the specific solutions for the decarbonization of the transportation world and its digital transformation. These two goals are the main… Continue reading AndSoft will present, during the Paris SITL, an improved software for European sustainable transport and our contribution to the digital transformation of the sector - China-EU freight train volume up 8% in July, boosting supply-chain stability
Barcelona, August 24, 2021.- Possibly, China is the world’s leading economic power. Your international trade with the rest of the countries will be a success thanks to the efficiency of the supply chains. Logistics and freight professionals play an essential role. At the moment, the commercial exchange between China and Europe registers these positive data,… Continue reading China-EU freight train volume up 8% in July, boosting supply-chain stability - The 6G mobile communications network will be the definitive technological impulse for the logistics and transport industry
Barcelona, August 17, 2021.– Different Asian countries are already performing the first speed test of the 6G mobile network. In Europe and the United States, however, we are still in the installation of the first 5g networks. Despite delay, you can already advance the advantages of the 6G network for transport, logistics, and for all… Continue reading The 6G mobile communications network will be the definitive technological impulse for the logistics and transport industry - Interesting: State Logistics 2021
Barcelona, August 10, 2021.- Logistics Management magazine has published its traditional analysis on the Logistics Industry. Next, your study that will be very practical for all professionals who work in the supply chain. - What will be the role of freight transport in smart cities?
Barcelona, August 3, 2021.- Freight transport, in any of its modalities will be essential in the success of the next smart cities, connected to the Internet of Things, via fiber optic or satellite (5G and 6G). For now, let’s learn about the main characteristics of smart cities to discover the investments that freight transport will… Continue reading What will be the role of freight transport in smart cities? - Volocopter And DB Schenker Announce First Blueprint For VoloDrone Operations
Barcelona, July 27, 2021.- Industry Europe has published this interesting initiative by DB Schenker with a large drone for logistics operations. All an innovation whose development we will see shortly, at the same time, that the reaction of its competitors. - Sustainable logistics: Walmart will reduce CO2 emissions from the transport fleets from its suppliers
Barcelona, July 20, 2021.- Walmart, the American supermework chain, has launched an initiative in its supply chain to reduce CO2 emissions from the transport fleets of its suppliers. A sustainable project that perhaps believes trend, both in the United States, and in other regions. Supplychaindive has published the details of this boost to the environment: - After 100 days withheld: Ever Given, ship that blocked Suez Canal, sets sail after deal signed
Barcelona, July 13, 2021.- AndSoft Social Media reported the entire operation to release the Ever Given ship. It was world news in all countries because it affected foreign trade, supply chains, millions of losses, increases in logistics prices, fines, etc. However, the ship Ever Given was held in the Suez Canal until her responsibilities were… Continue reading After 100 days withheld: Ever Given, ship that blocked Suez Canal, sets sail after deal signed - Prices to ship containers from Asia to the U.S. and Europe are rising at a historic pace as cargo owners
Barcelona, July 6, 2021.- Wall Street Journal has published an analysis on the international prices of the SUPPLY CHAIN in maritime transport. The data, in the Post Covid19 era, are the following:
AndSoft Transportation & Logistics Software 