Supply chain workers use artificial intelligence (AI) to solve problems and improve global operations. AI applications may be found throughout the supply chain, from the factory floor to the front door. Throughout supply chains, AI-enhanced tools are being used to improve productivity, mitigate the effects of a worldwide labor shortage, and uncover better, safer methods to move commodities from one location to another. Internet of Things (IoT) devices is being used by shipping businesses to collect and analyze data about items in transit and track the mechanical health and constant location of pricey trucks and transportation instruments.
The margin for mistakes rapidly reduces as global supply networks become more complicated. With rising competitiveness in a linked digital world, improving productivity by decreasing all types of risks is more important than ever. The demand for the industry to exploit the prowess of artificial intelligence in supply chains and logistics is being driven by rising expectations of supersonic speed and efficiencies among suppliers and business partners of all types.
AI In Supply Chain Operations & Logistics
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already changing the face of the supply chain, widening the gap between winners and losers. Artificial intelligence and machine learning drive enterprise-wide visibility into all supply chain elements by weeding out deep-rooted inefficiencies and uncertainties with granularity and techniques that people simply can’t replicate at scale. AI in supply chains assists in delivering the tremendous optimization capabilities required for more accurate capacity planning, higher productivity, higher quality, lower costs, and higher output, all while promoting safer working conditions.
Use Cases In The Supply Chain
The same research identified the following areas when respondents were asked how they thought AI could make a difference and assist boost revenue through operational excellence. We’ll delve a little more into some of the applications that are more particular to supply chain excellence.
- Customer Behavior Prediction
Customers are unpredictable. Even if the order is ready to be delivered, they may decide not to purchase. As a result, your logistics department will be overworked, and time will be squandered. This erratic order pattern can confuse your staff and result in lost productivity. Due to an overabundance of orders from online shops, unpredictable customer behavior is more common. As a result, many businesses struggle to foresee surprising order numbers. However, artificial intelligence and machine learning allow us to predict the unpredictable nature of customer behavior far early and at an ideal level in such instances. You can save time and money by reducing manual errors and allocating more resources to business growth.
- Scenarios In The Market
Observing market patterns and behavior is essential for staying in business and providing better customer service. AI can extract accurate data from various sources, including weather, industrial production, and job history. This application can better evaluate market conditions and assess growth drivers by processing data from these sources. AI can alter supply chain capabilities by leveraging its sensory talents by improving capital expenditure and product portfolio.
- Defending Against Chargebacks
It is common practice to demand chargeback from brand owners in the event of product delivery delays. As a result, brand owners face steep penalties if On Time In Full (OTIF) deliveries is missed. Analyzing the cause of failure, on the other hand, is beneficial. It is easier to sift through vital data such as the number of orders placed, order kinds, location, and type of shipment with powerful AI coupled with deep learning. This helps to uncover the trustworthy source of the chargeback while also reducing peer conflict.
- Improving Fleet Performance
Product delivery to the destination on schedule is critical in the supply chain. It only takes a minute to establish or destroy your credibility to gain customer trust. However, what lies ahead on the journey when it is on route to delivery is always unexpected. In this case, an AI-powered GPS solution allows for better route optimization and navigation for your fleet. It uses machine learning to assist you in finding the most efficient product delivery route by processing customer, driver, and vehicle data. As a result, it is possible to bypass heavily used areas and uneven road surfaces.
At the same time, it helps you save time and money and reduce truck tire wear and tear. According to studies, adopting such powerful AI-assisted GPS for supply chain delivery can save you $50 million.
- Increasing The Accuracy Of Tracking Orders As They Arrive And Depart
It is critical in the supply chain to track order progress to maintain the warehouse stocked with new products. Pallets cannot be appropriately positioned since manual errors are likely during the path of order layout. In the warehouse, products that have not moved for a long time are put further back and replaced with items that move quickly.
Retailers may face difficulties in keeping outdated products out of the warehouse. AI programs can more accurately predict the arrival and departure of products in and out of the warehouse. This aids personnel in inputting the pallet in the correct sequence and releasing products according to their shelf life. AI in the supply chain can help businesses become smarter.
Conclusion
It all starts with data, regardless of the use case or intent for employing AI. To train and construct the proper knowledge base for each scenario, AI systems require access to many data. As a result, any attempt to use AI in the supply chain to improve operational excellence will need to start with a complete, resilient, and accurate set of datasets with advanced analytical capabilities.
