Artificial intelligence in the supply chain is not new–generating new artifacts to support it, is. Decisions impacting supply chain performance—order quantities, routing, inventory allocation–are limited. AI will improve the impact with real-time data from external and/or internal sources to augment the models and drive a better outcome.
Companies track logistics costs in different ways, some getting as granular as calculating inventory depreciation. Applications that eliminate data silos enhance communications, amplify marketing efforts, and enable managers to make effective decisions. From product development to final delivery, supply chain data enables businesses to create new products, evolve existing offerings, make system improvements, and craft precision marketing strategies. Robotics, sensors, tracking software, and automation are some of the advancements used by logistics and supply chain companies to create “touchless” supply chain infrastructure. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) algorithms, and advanced computer-based analytics and software help managers optimize processes and automate maintenance, improving efficiency across all segments.
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Freight shipping is the transportation of inventory via air, land, or sea that takes place between a freight broker and merchant, often across countries. While AI and ML research has produced innovative tools that catalyzed innovation, all fail to replicate the human capacity to create and innovate. Augmented Intelligence (Intelligence Amplification or IA) combines human ingenuity and experience with the algorithmic power of machines to enhance (instead of replacing) human intelligence.
Marathon office ‘dominates the dirty work’ by showcasing Wright-Patt, Air Force on a global scale
Unlike 3PLs, dropshippers don’t require merchants to obtain inventory prior to offering items for sale. Instead, when a customer purchases a product from your site, the order is passed to your dropshipper who then fulfills the order. How you decide to handle logistics comes down to a matter of costs (and efficiency) versus control. Ecommerce logistics spans everything that happens from the moment your customers click “buy” to the moment they receive their orders—plus when buyers decide to return their items. Port authorities have three ways to cope with sea level rise and all are inadequate, experts say. They can retreat to inland locations with river links to oceans, but available sites with requisite conditions are few and expensive.
Managing event logistics requires serious forethought and careful monitoring throughout the event lifecycle. Being on point with the logistical side of your planning ensures flawless event execution and improves the event experience. You need to coordinate with vendors, communicate with sponsors, and guide speakers, among other tasks.
“Large-scale advanced manufacturing offers a solution to complement our limited assets. Unlike traditional manufacturing, where we conform to one build, with 3D printing, we tailor each print to the specific mission’s requirements,” she noted. According to Matt Audette, AMS program analyst, having the ability to essentially 3D print key components on the battlefield could stand to revolutionize how the Corps thinks about logistics.
The Future of Reverse Logistics
Using a 3PL can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need to invest in warehouse space, technology, transportation, and employees to carry out logistics processes, allowing for more focus on your core competencies. Read more about global logistics services here. If you choose to work with a 4PL, they will supervise your transportation and warehouse 3PLs along with any asset-based carriers and warehouses you use. This oversight helps ensure your goods are moved efficiently throughout the entire supply chain.
