What are the Applications of AI in Logistics and Supply Chain?

supply chain ai use cases

This is where generative AI, a subcategory of artificial intelligence, steps in, providing innovative solutions to tackle these challenges. Through generative AI, supply chain stakeholders can process immense volumes of data, extract valuable insights, and streamline decision-making processes. The global supply chain is continuously evolving, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and satisfy customers. However, it faces mounting complexities which stem from escalating customer expectations, rapid market changes, and an intensified call for sustainable methods. AI is an investment that can drive your competitive edge, bringing about significant cost savings and efficiency gains so you can better meet growing customer demands. Having the data collection, storage and infrastructure is essential to begin implementing a ML strategy.

Microsoft Supply Chain Copilot, an integral component of the Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management (IOM) system, provides businesses with the tools to manage and optimize their order fulfillment procedures. The system applies the power of AI and machine learning to orchestrate fulfillment operations intelligently and automatically. This is achieved through a rule-based framework that leverages real-time data from multiple channels and comprehensive inventory insights.

Top 12 AI Use Cases for Supply Chain Optimization in 2023

It can also develop order profiles, recognizing customer demands, preferences, and usage history to improve customer satisfaction. AI can help to improve warehouse efficiency by optimizing product storage and tracking inventory levels. AI can also be used to automate receiving, packing, and shipping processes, which can help save time, money, and resources. For example, AI can analyze a large dataset to generate insights on customer behavior and suggest value-add services. It can also be used to develop strategies that help companies better manage supplier relationships and reduce supply chain risk. Generative AI solutions can integrate data from sales, marketing, production, and distribution to generate more accurate and comprehensive plans.

supply chain ai use cases

In contrast, SCM is more comprehensive, covering coordination and underlying processes–sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, storing, and selling. Incorporating machine learning in supply chain design redefines what’s possible in terms of transparency, planning, and ultimately, minimizing losses while identifying opportunities. Founded in 2009, BairesDev is the leading nearshore technology solutions company, with 4,000+ professionals in more than 50 countries, representing the top 1% of tech talent. The company’s goal is to create lasting value throughout the entire digital transformation journey. Predictive analytics can be used to schedule maintenance or repairs on machines before any mechanical failure occurs. By predicting potential machine malfunctions and scheduling maintenance accordingly, organizations can save on downtime and reduce unexpected delays or hiccups.

Ways Machine Learning Can Transform Supply Chain Management

Above mentioned AI/ML-based use cases, it will progress toward an automated, intelligent, and self-healing Supply Chain. A report showing very ‘odd’ product movements or production declarations will be very useful as it will help management to focus on those specific movements. However, this will obviously need labeling to be done for past periods i.e., classifying and labeling movements as ‘odd’ or ‘ok’. A chatbot can be very useful to various user departments such as sales, purchase, production others, which will access SCM databases and support queries using NLP modules.

supply chain ai use cases

This will enable businesses to take proactive measures, ensuring a more efficient and smooth supply chain operation. This proactive approach can help prevent delays, minimize downtime, and improve overall supply chain performance. Weather forecasting and smart image processing enable growers to identify pests, weeds, and disease early on so they can protect their healthy crops.

XGBoost still rules the domain of tabular data

In the future, these systems will be further developed and be able to resolve some of the data access and data rights concerns that exist today. The capabilities of these systems are developing exponentially, with increasingly accurate practical use cases that could facilitate problem solving and improve overall customer experience. For example, AI algorithms can optimize transportation routes, minimizing costs and reducing environmental impact. This not only improves the efficiency of delivery processes but also contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly supply chain practices.

supply chain ai use cases

Whereas, saving both cost and time are a few benefits of using AI in the supply chain. This phenomenon occurs when small fluctuations at one end of the supply chain are amplified as they move upstream/downstream. AI-powered forecasting tools can help reduce demand and supply fluctuations to control bullwhip by leveraging data collected from customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors.

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supply chain ai use cases

How to improve supply chain with AI?

  1. Establish unified commerce via increased supply chain visibility.
  2. Collaborate on Sales & Operations Planning.
  3. Implement a SaaS System.
  4. Create flexible and open cloud architecture.
  5. Leverage AI/ML to support supply chain management.