Today's complex supply chain calls for the best possible planning and forecasting of demand, capacity and unexpected events. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an important role in this, VIL believes. The logistics innovation institute is developing an app with companies in the sector for predicting and planning supply chains with AI.
In the AI4Cast project, VIL cooperates with Sirris, the Belgian centre of technological industry, and Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen. Eight companies are participating to deploy the app.
AI has been playing a role in logistics for some time. Think of robotics, smart warehouses and autonomous vehicles. According to VIL, the technology also appears promising for supply chains, which are becoming increasingly complex today. Unexpected events can cause siginificant problems for multiple companies in the logistics chain.
Chain-wide approach
This is why the innovation institute is taking a chain-wide approach. AI planning used today is usually limited to one's own company or a direct service provider. The problem is then passed on to the next links in the chain, according to VIL. This creates costs for additional transport, overtime or rental of equipment or space. "All companies involved and consumers therefore benefit from chain-wide, real-time and proactive supply chain forecasting and planning," VIL writes.
Together with partners Howest and Sirris, VIL wants to explore how the use of Artificial Intelligence can contribute to data sharing and analysis. During the project, an AI-based software application will be developed. A quick scan tool should help companies make the right technology and application choice for their specific situation.
Anticipate
Trafuco, one of the participating companies, hopes to increase flexibility and efficiency with the project. "Our customers expect fast and efficient services, this does not leave much room for unexpected incidents in the supply chain," said Marc van den Broek of Trafuco. "If we can proactively anticipate future or unexpected fluctuations in demand or other problems as well as possible, we can serve our customers all the better."
