Tag Archives: Demand forecasting

Unlocking the Value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Supply Chains and Logistics

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Speed in decision-making. Speed in reducing cycle-times. Speed in operations. And, speed in continuous improvement. The use of Artificial Intelligence in the supply chain is here to stay and will make huge waves in the years to come.

According to Gartner, supply chain organizations expect the level of machine automation in their supply chain processes to double in the next five years. At the same time, global spending on IIoT Platforms is predicted to grow from $1.67B in 2018 to $12.44B in 2024, attaining a 40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in seven years.

In today’s connected digital world, maximizing productivity by reducing uncertainties is the top priority across industries. Plus, mounting expectations of supersonic speed and operational efficiencies further underscore the need to leverage the prowess of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supply chains and logistics.

Accelerating Supply Chain Success with AI in Supply Chains & Logistics

AI in supply chains can deliver the powerful optimization capabilities required for more accurate capacity planning, improved demand forecasting, enhanced productivity, lower supply chain costs, and greater output, all while fostering safer working conditions.

The pandemic and the subsequent disruptions has demonstrated the dramatic impact of uncertainties on supply chains and has established the need for smart contingency plans to help companies deal with these uncertainties in the right way.

But is AI the answer? What can AI mean for companies as they struggle to get their supply chain and logistics back on track? Let’s find out.

ACCURATE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Accurate inventory management can ensure the right flow of items in and out of a warehouse. Simply put, it can help prevent overstocking, inadequate stocking and unexpected stock-outs. But the inventory management process involves multiple inventory related variables (order processing, picking and packing) that can make the process both, time consuming and highly prone to errors.

WAREHOUSE EFFICIENCY

An efficient warehouse is an integral part of the supply chain. AI-based automation can assist in the timely retrieval of an item from a warehouse and ensure a smooth journey to the customer. AI systems can also solve several warehouse issues, more quickly and accurately than a human can, and also simplify complex procedures and speed up work. Also, along with saving valuable time, AI-driven automation efforts can significantly reduce the need for, and cost of, warehouse staff.

ENHANCED SAFETY

AI-based automated tools can ensure smarter planning and efficient warehouse management, which can, in turn, enhance worker and material safety. AI can analyze workplace safety data and inform manufacturers about any possible risks. It can record stocking parameters and update operations along with necessary feedback loops and proactive maintenance. This helps companies react swiftly and decisively to keep warehouses secure and compliant with safety standards.

REDUCED OPERATIONS COSTS

Here’s one benefit of AI systems for the supply chain that one simply can’t ignore. From customer service to the warehouse, automated intelligent operations can work error-free for a longer duration, reducing the number of human oversight-led errors and workplace incidents. Additionally, warehouse robots can provide greater speed and accuracy, achieving higher levels of productivity – all of which will reflect in reduced operations costs.

ON-TIME DELIVERY

As we discussed above, AI systems help reduce dependency on manual efforts, thus making the entire process faster, safer and smarter. This helps facilitate timely delivery to the customer as per the commitment. Automated systems accelerate traditional warehouse procedures, removing operational bottlenecks along the value chain with minimal effort to achieve delivery targets.

 

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Is Your Supply Chain Ready for the Holidays?

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Is Your Supply Chain Ready for the Holidays?

Doug Pasquale, senior vice president of supply chain solutions for Ingram Micro Mobility, shared with Apparel magazine his insights on supply-chain strategies ahead of the crucial holiday season.

1. What are your top three best practices for pre-holiday logistics planning?
First and foremost, have a dedicated holiday supply chain strategy put in place at least six months before the holidays. It’s always a good idea to begin planning immediately following the previous year’s season and engage manufacturers and logistics partners as soon as possible.

2. Holiday supply chain disruptions are inevitable – whether it’s a natural disaster or a sudden shift in consumer demand. In your opinion, how much stock should retailers put in demand forecasting and planning?
There will always be situations that arise causing disruptions in a supply chain — you cannot plan for every possible scenario. I am a big advocate for sophisticated demand forecasting and planning, but retailers should also bear in mind they don’t have a crystal ball.

3. What advice could you give apparel retailers at the holidays based on your experience working with mobile device retailers?
The mobile device retail industry isn’t as removed from the apparel industry as it might seem at first. Both industries are at the mercy of quickly changing consumer demand, and overseas production is common. However, the mobile device industry tends to move at a faster pace – while most retailers change their stock of clothes by season, mobile device retailers are flooded with new technology weekly.

4. With only 26 days between Black Friday and Christmas this year, how does this affect supply chain planning and strategy?
The peak season always puts a crunch on supply chain planning and strategy, but when faced with less time to orchestrate all the activity happening between manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers, a shortened season leaves little room for error. Even one or two fewer selling days during the peak season can have a potentially negative financial impact in retail if not prepared, so it’s imperative for retailers to open early, clear lines of communication with manufacturers and logistics providers for demand forecasting, inventory needs and delivery dates. Timely communication and information flow is absolutely critical.

5. Where should retailers be on their planning trajectory at this point in the year, and what should the next step be?
Ideally, retailers should have begun their peak season supply chain preparations back in January when cycles were set for the remainder of the year. That is the time to start forecasting demand and working with manufacturers to strategize product portfolio, market demand, stocking, and returns preparation. By this point in the season, retailers should be fine-tuning any adjustments to that strategy and should be well under way with executing it. Retailers currently should be firming up delivery schedules and finalizing promotional packaging designs, special deals, and production schedules to ensure they are ready for the coming busy peak season.

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