Artificial Intelligence has now reached the reflection point since many companies from all over the world have recognized the power of AI. Undeniably it has empowered many businesses and organizations to create standardized, fast-moving workflows that have increased the value of the human resources by saving their time by automating the tasks that needed manual attention. Hence, everything from self-driven cars to social media can be defined by how technology has taught machines to behave like humans, or even with exceeded capabilities.
In the supply chain and logistics businesses, these technologies have proven to be a game-changer. As the requirements are getting high and complex, the AI-driven application has come to the rescue that has streamlined the logistics operations, helped companies make smarter and more agile decisions, and anticipate problems globally.
So, in particular, the AI applications into logistics-related tasks hold the high potential of boosting up the top and bottom-line value. Let’s take a closer look at AI in logistics and transportation.
1. The Warehouse Automation
Taking a closer look at the logistics domain, its success heavily depends upon proper warehouse as well as inventory-based management. A smart house is fully automated, wherein the most work is done through automation, the complex tasks become easier and logistics and supply chain operations become more cost-effective. And not only this but the AI can transform the great amount of data into usable insights to assist the retailers in the multitude of decisions. Additionally, the market for automation in the warehouse is growing significantly, in order to help retailers to overcome labor shortages as well as shift the mundane tasks from humans to robots. The AI-driven logistics and supply chain are meeting complex demands of the domain as the savvy retailers are adopting AI to help power their next-gen supply chain. The robots in the warehouse can be scaled up and down as and when required. And in case the logistics operation needs to enhance the speed and accuracy to meet the requirements, integrated AI and robotics can manage the extra workload that too without creating a mess.
For example, Amazon has already transformed its warehouse through the use of Automation. The retail giant has rolled out machines that can automate the job of boxing customer demands. In the Amazon warehouses, the robots operate alongside humans to increase productivity and efficiency.
2. The Blockchain in the Supply Chain
Managing today’s supply chain-from creating to distributing all the goods is extraordinarily complex. It involves hundreds of stages, multiple geographical locations, number of invoices payments, entities. Moreover, the lack of transparency in the current supply chains made an interest in how blockchains would transform the supply chain and logistics industry.
However, the reality is that the blockchain is a digital ledger, includes many applications and can be used for exchange, agreements, contracts, payments and more. Thus, by being extremely scalable and efficient, it increases efficiency and brings transparency in the supply chain. Apart from this, Some of the urgent issues in the supply chains can be easily solved by blockchain, as the technology provides novel ways to record transmit as well as share data. The blockchains are highly resistant to altering and tempering.
3. Smart Roads
The roads are often overlooked as part of the modern transportation infrastructure. But now we have AI to the rescue, it is changing the transport sector. With the AI, the roads are upgraded with communication, lighting and power transmission technology that supports sustainability, improves safety as well.
The smart roads use IoT devices that have transformed the driving experience by making it more efficient and combine the physical infrastructure like sensors and solar panels with software infrastructure like AI and big data.
In essence, smart road technologies are embedded in roads and can improve visibility, generate energy, monitor adverse road conditions and more.
- IoT connectivity: Cities can connect roads to IoT devices, and collect traffic and weather information. This type of connectivity enhances safety, traffic management, and energy efficiency.
- Traffic management networks: Seamlessly improve safety and reduce congestion. The network uses speed cameras to show warning signs for adverse conditions and sends automated traffic diversion signals.
- Traffic lights optimization: Systems use data from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras or smart vehicles to optimize traffic lights and update commuters on jams or bottlenecks.
4. Self-driving cars
The complete logistics industry would be beneficial for continuing the rapid development of self-driving AI. As the companies are developing faster they are looking forward to installing more efficient microchips capable of responding to the real-world road conditions. Moreover, giants like Google and Apple are showing their interest in autonomous vehicles primarily for transporting their employees around their own vast campuses. Thus, self-driving cars are already witnessing an increased presence of public on roads.
Although, It probably could take a while until we witness an actual delivery service with fully automated vehicles. But seeing how technology has been successfully tested in the US, self-driving AI has the full potential to eliminate or reduce human error in the logistics equation. It depends upon how safe the technology is in practice.
5. Vehicles Telematics can Streamline Supply Chain
Telematics is a very complex term that includes long-distance telecommunications and big data industry. Digital logistics and fleet management are a crucial facet of the developing intelligent city and using telematics to monitor the location and status of the vehicles helps build a comprehensive view of the entire network.
This advanced approach helps the warehousing and logistics to receive and deliver the goods in the more correct order and eliminated the blind spots in the business.
At times it happens that the fleet management becomes complex and difficult to manage, as they are often on the roads and out of touch with the rest of the inventory management supply chain.
So not only the logistics but there are other areas as well that are going to benefit from the technology that are emergency fleet management, police car, fire engine, as well as the emergency operators that can leverage the advantage of the instant communications in order to enhance the efficiency and safety.
At last, leveraging the digital information in a meaningful way contributes towards the success of fleet management and enhanced business operations.
Conclusion
But as the worlds continue to develop AI and all related support technologies at an astoundingly rapid rate. We would probably witness more advanced technology innovations happening in the logistics industry in the coming years. Just as the global supply chain swells to become more complex, AI will evolve with greater proficiency at performing progressively towards more complex tasks.
