The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the supply chain is transforming logistics, improving decision making and optimizing processes, according to specialists from various industries gathered at a meeting organized by #SoyLogístico Asociación .
In this regard, Paty López, senior director of RELEX Solutions , mentioned the need for technological solutions that allow greater efficiency and speed in processes.
“In the processes of technological change, anxiety and grief are generated. We need technological solutions that respond to these challenges,” López added.
In that sense, Adolfo De Unánue, research director of the Faculty of Government of the Tecnológico de Monterrey , addressed the challenges that organizations face when implementing artificial intelligence solutions.
“It is not just about attacking existing problems, but about rethinking and unlocking new capabilities in work processes,” explained De Unánue.
The academic also highlighted the importance of using production, storage, climate and sales data to predict demands and optimize processes. He assured that generative artificial intelligence offers multiple uses, including industrial systems with human language, reinforcement learning and demand prediction.
“This in the end is a software product, a process that must be maintained. We should not expect to have perfect data to test AI. The lack of generality of machine learning models is their main strength, since it provides specific contextualization capacity for each organization,” explained De Unánue.
According to specialists, despite what you may hear from AI providers , this technology is not designed to replace humans , but to train them and elevate their skills in their businesses.
“We must start making models that tell us what changes to implement, since we do not know what is going to happen. Flexibility is crucial to adapt to technological and consumer trends,” added De Unánue.
For his part, Miguel Ángel Collado, deputy director of Logistics at Grupo Herdez , highlighted the need to convince senior management about investing in AI.
“One of the strongest challenges is how to convince directors and senior managers that it is worth investing in AI. You need a partner who understands the project. AI is not a goal, it is a path to improve the processes you have, adapting and changing the entire system. First we must focus on the variables we want to predict and where we are obtaining that information from. It is crucial to have experts who can handle these tools and understand what they tell us,” said Collado.
In terms of sustainability , Collado pointed out how AI can help optimize routes and reduce waste: “AI will help you see which routes are optimal, and what needs to be done is to minimize food waste and pollution. The better we can plan and predict sustainably, the less we destroy,” he highlighted.
The director of RELEX also emphasized the crucial role that young people or the so-called centennial generation will play in the future.
“Centennials will be the leaders of tomorrow. In 10 years they will be running our companies and the questions are, what type of profiles do we need then? As logistics chains we are used to traditional decisions. The production level will depend on the strategy of each company, but we must prepare for small constant changes,” said López.
The three specialists agreed on the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to make the most of the capabilities of AI in logistics.
“We must involve all areas of the companies for its use. Flexibility and adaptability are key to keeping the organization viable in the face of external changes,” concluded Collado.
These statements were made during the interactive forum “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Supply Chain ” organized by #SoyLogístico Asociación, which seeks to share intelligent content and best practices in the sector.
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