There are several reasons why logistics professionals and companies are utilising AI more than ever before. Not only does the logistics sector run more smoothly and efficiently thanks to AI’s computing power (which is far greater than that of human beings), but as AI technology continues to improve, its value will grow too.

Though it would be impossible to cover all the benefits organisations can get from using AI in their supply chains and logistics operations (as it’s impossible to predict what new benefits will likely emerge in the near future), the following represent some of the more noteworthy. If you work in this sector and have not yet begun using AI, these reasons may convince you to get started sooner rather than later.

Increasing Automation

Automation in warehouses allows for greater efficiency and accuracy. It also frees up human labour to focus on other tasks. 

This is one of the key reasons logistics professionals should research AI warehouse automation solutions. AI can manage inventory, collect data, and much more. This won’t just boost efficiency but will also improve relationships with customers.

AI can help companies predict inventory needs much more accurately, which is key to providing customers with fast and reliable service. In other words, if you fail to use AI in your warehouses, you may fall behind when the competition begins to do so. Their ability to provide their customers with superior service will threaten your company’s continued relevance.

Offering More Accurate Delivery Predictions

Delivering items to customers will always take time. Until someone invents technology to magically transport an item to another location miles away in an instant, customers will have to understand that they can’t receive shipments the moment they place orders.

That doesn’t mean customers are always happy with shipping speeds and it’s often not the speed itself they are most concerned with. Instead, customers are disappointed with the accuracy of shipping speed predictions. A customer who is told an item will arrive earlier than it does is often less satisfied than a customer who is provided with an honest delivery speed prediction, even if that prediction notes the item won’t reach them as soon as they would like.

This is another reason to use AI in supply chain analytics. By analysing all relevant data points, AI can significantly boost the accuracy of shipping speed and delivery time predictions. As with improved warehouse forecasting, this will also have a positive impact on customer relations.

Boosting Employee Satisfaction

Satisfying your customers is obviously important. However, if you want your company to succeed, it’s necessary to ensure your employees are happy as well.

AI can help in this capacity. AI programs can handle many tedious administrative tasks that are traditionally assigned to human employees. Allowing your employees to focus on more fulfilling work whilst AI handles their administrative tasks, will boost engagement. 

Don’t overlook the value of this. Companies with highly engaged workforces tend to be more productive than others. They also have lower turnover rates. Because turnover is often far more costly than many realise, it’s essential that you do what you can to guard against it. Using AI to improve conditions for your workers is a clever way to do so.

Changing Plans Easily

While thorough planning is the key to success in the logistics sector, there are many instances when plans need to be modified without warning.

For example, when shipping an item to customers, the route your company planned on using may suddenly be unavailable due to hazards or weather. 

However, you still need to serve your customers. You can’t simply hope they’ll understand why they didn’t receive the item they paid for. One bad experience may be enough to make a customer choose to work with one of your competitors in the future.

Luckily, AI’s ability to immediately assess large quantities of data would help you choose a new route very quickly. AI can evaluate all other potential routes and easily choose the ideal one for your goals. Along with helping you maintain your relationship with customers, this assistance in making snap decisions will significantly reduce stress levels for all involved. This will also yield higher levels of engagement.

AI is helpful when you need to change plans quickly but it can also help you develop backup plans. A strong AI may predict hazards and circumstances others would have overlooked whilst also offering potential solutions to unwanted scenarios.

The main point to remember is that more and more companies are already beginning to use AI in their logistics operations for these very reasons. Embrace AI now, and you’re far more likely to continue thriving in the future.