Smart Machines and Logistics

In the last few years, the overriding question in logistics companies’ boardrooms has been: how can we do things faster and more efficiently without compromising the quality of service? Now they’ve found the answer: “smart machines.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, as well as blockchain, are changing the game and creating a “new normal” in how global logistics companies manage data, run operations, and serve customers in an automated, intelligent, transparent, and more efficient way. 

A key reason why AI adoption is taking off is its potential to solve the complexities of running a global logistics network. AI can help make smarter and more agile decisions and anticipate problems and optimize route planning, for example, to genetic algorithms. AI also allows a fully automated warehouse, wherein tedious tasks can be simplified, and operations can become more cost-effective. Moreover, this technology can improve customer service via the implementation of chatbots. 

As for robotics, with automated vehicles – especially trucks and ships – being tested, transportation and delivery can also become more efficient. Working 24/7, complete with cameras, lasers, and GPS systems, automated vehicles could always take the quickest route, speeding up delivery times. 

The most advanced equipment in the field of robotics, drones, also have the potential to enable higher efficiencies in end-delivery logistics: not only could they potentially deliver goods faster, but they could also do so at a fraction of the cost. Also, humans would no longer be needed on the road or out at sea. Instead, their roles would become more technical as they oversee navigation from a monitoring system thousands of miles away. 

Finally, a technology that is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in logistics is blockchain. By creating a trusted environment, blockchain ensures that transaction information – based on “blocks” - is resistant to forgery or modification.

Therefore, it can make the transaction verification process more efficient, and help achieve increased transparency, as well as faster delivery of goods and services through mutual trust among all participants. 

Export Portal has developed its proprietary blockchain system to facilitate secure, traceable, and cost-effective transactions with verified sellers, buyers, and logistics players worldwide. Learn more about what we can do for you, and register for free today!