How is your company using AI to improve its supply chain and logistics operations? And more importantly, is it helping you achieve better results?
Recently, I’ve been giving a talk to industry associations called “AI: Friend or Foe?” It has generated some great conversations because people recognize how powerful AI can be, but they also have questions about what it means for their companies and their jobs.
Here at TranzAct, our view is straightforward: We want to use AI to make our strong team of associates even stronger. By putting better tools and information in the hands of people who understand transportation and care about our customers, we can continue to lead our industry in serving those customers.
But getting there requires more than having access to AI.
First, AI is an incredible accelerator. Work that once required hours can now be done in minutes. In our Freedom Logistics business, for example, AI helps us review carrier reports and market information more quickly. Combined with our team’s experience in the LTL market, that information helps us have more productive conversations with carriers and pursue better results for our customers.
Second, AI is a tremendous aggregator. Moreso than ever before, AI can gather vast amounts of data that can be used to glean important insights about how your company does business now and in the future. But there is, however, a critical requirement: You have to start with accurate data.
Those of us who have been around technology for a while know the expression GIGO: garbage in, garbage out. That maxim is especially important with AI. Processing more information, faster, accomplishes very little if the information is wrong, incomplete, or doesn’t reflect what is actually happening in your business. You can get an impressive-looking answer and still make a poor decision.
For shippers, that means asking some basic questions. Are your shipment details accurate? Are you using the right rates and accessorial charges? Does your data reflect the service your customers require? Before relying on the analysis, you need confidence in the information behind it.
Third, AI rewards curiosity. The more willing you are to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore different possibilities, the more useful it can become. Instead of stopping with the first answer, ask: What are we missing? What patterns deserve attention? What would happen if our assumptions changed?
One of the things that we are very proud of is how we are using in the Rapid Assessments that our Supply Chain Edge conducts for companies who are serious about building a great supply chain. When you use an holistic approach that includes curiosity, companies can create something every supply chain leader needs: optionality where you have more workable choices and alternatives to consider.
Whether you are evaluating carriers, preparing a freight budget, or considering how to respond to a disruption, AI can help your team explore alternatives and understand the tradeoffs before making a decision. And with TranzAct’s Digital Twin capabilities, your company can model alternatives and assess how the proposed changes can improve your operations and profitability.
At TranzAct, we see tremendous opportunity in combining these capabilities with our associates’ knowledge, judgment, and commitment to our customers. Our goal is to turn that combination into better service, lower costs, and results that matter to your business.
If your company is committed to achieving great results, call TranzAct. With our AI-enabled service and technology capabilities—and our commitment to a collaborative partnership—we can help you identify opportunities, evaluate your options, and take your supply chain performance to new heights.
Because with each and every Two Minute Warning, we’re here to remind you: We are on your team and passionate about seeing you be successful.
Here's how to get in touch:
☎️ Give us a call at 630-833-0890
✉️ Send us an email at solutions@tranzact.com
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