Validate the information. Advancements are quickly rolling out to improve large language models (LLMs), but users should be cautious of using these systems for important decisions without domain expertise validation. –Alex Schwarm, Head of Data, Arrive Logistics Assess the potential costs associated with
implementing AI, including technology acquisition, infrastructure setup, data preparation, talent acquisition or upskilling, and ongoing maintenance. Start small and experiment and collaboratively develop a roadmap for AI adoption that aligns with the organization's strategic goals, resources, and capabilities. –Kary Zate, Senior Director, Marketing Communications, Locus
social science specialists from Halmstad University and Gothenburg University in Sweden collaborated for more than three years to develop and trial an AI-based semi-autonomous voyage planning system. The project showed how AI and machine learning can enable more energy-ef cient voyage planning for ship operators. The results demonstrated successful energy ef ciency optimization based on estimated time of arrival.
In addition, AI can reduce product return rates by analyzing customer data and making personalized product recommendations. Chatbots and virtual assistants can also help ecommerce customers through the returns process, taking on a large volume of customer inquiries and allowing human workers to focus on higher- value tasks. Chatbots can learn from customer interactions, honing their responses to improve the ef ciency of returns processes. Lastly, machine algorithms could help companies determine the most ef cient and cost-effective way to handle returns, taking into account brick-and-mortar locations, warehouses, shipping routes, and carrier performance.
code and provide tiered classi cation data based on suggestion algorithms. Users can enter speci c product descrip- tions to improve accuracy; meanwhile, machine learning models continuously improve the algorithms. STREAMLINING CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. Aside from helping com- panies ll out customs paperwork, AI solutions can also stream- line customs clearance processes. For example, KlearNow.AI, a pro- vider of customs clearance and drayage software, launched an arti cial intel- ligence-powered platform, Customs Engine, to enable companies to move goods ef ciently and compliantly through customs and ports. The new software platform, targeted at importers, customs brokers, and forward- ers, leverages ve years of deep learning from its AI and machine learning data ingestion tool which created data sets for submission to customs authorities. Customs Engine’s automated data extraction and document digitization capabilities can eliminate manual data entries and related errors. It generates Importer Security Filings and transmits them to customs authorities.
INCREASING LASTMILE EFFICIENCIES. “AI can help solve the famed last-mile problem
with smart sensors on delivery vehicles, manual driver input, or location-based tracking,” says Hehman from TXI. Its ability to process data and reduce human error can translate into huge opportunities for ef ciency improve- ments in the last-mile space. “Since moving products from a regional hub to a point of usage is usually the most expensive and challenging part of a supply chain, AI-enabled gains go a long way,” Hehman says. “By analyzing weather data, traf c patterns, and other environmental factors, an AI system can use data from smart sensors to ensure materials are delivered properly while optimizing the experience for the delivery person.”
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES. AI-powered tools can
cleanse and integrate data from dispa- rate sources to facilitate carbon emission measurement and reporting. One AI-enabled solution is BlueNode, which measures carbon and Scope 3 emissions from ports, terminal operators, maritime and rail carriers, shippers, and trade authorities. Everstream Analytics recently acquired BlueNode to expand its inter- modal analytics solutions and let users make data-based decisions on mari- time carbon mitigation—balancing costs, shipping time, and environmen- tal impact. AI-based solutions can also enable more energy-ef cient sea voyages, a recent trial found. Maritime technology company Yara Marine Technologies, AI application developer Mol ow, and Chalmers University of Technology and
HELPING ENSURE WORKER SAFETY. By creating optimal routes, increasing
ef ciencies, and taking care of mundane tasks such as customs paperwork, AI can help boost worker satisfaction. It can also ag potentially dangerous situations for human workers. “AI can supplement human decision- making to ensure organizations are ensuring the health and safety of their employees,” says Hehman. “For example, a system can automatically send a message recalling delivery drivers when temperatures reach extreme highs or when environmental factors indicate tornadoes could form in the area.” n
PROCESSING ECOMMERCE RETURNS. AI can attack reverse logistics challenges from
multiple fronts. Using machine learning algorithms, companies can glean insights from their returns data and identify pat- terns and underlying causes. Retailers can then make the adjust- ments needed—from revising product information on their website to tweaking packaging to changing shipping meth- ods—that could lower the return rate.
146 Inbound Logistics • July 2023
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