The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems into supply chains represents an opportunity to improve the efficiency of companies, but its implementation also requires prior review of operational processes, evaluation of logistics costs and definition of the technological needs of each organization.

The above is part of what Jesús Várguez Reyes , Director of Operations of Impulsora Sahuayo, said during the webinar “From the warehouse to the algorithm: AI, intelligent networks and leadership to compete” , held within the framework of the Master’s Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management of the Autonomous University of Yucatán .

The specialist explained that technological advancements are enabling the incorporation of agentic AI systems capable of planning, executing tasks, and supporting decision-making in activities related to purchasing, inventory, warehousing, and transportation. He cautioned, however, about the importance of having supervisory criteria in place to prevent operational errors.

Profitability before speed

Várguez Reyes emphasized that one of the main challenges for companies is maintaining the profitability of their operations in the face of the growing demand for fast deliveries, particularly last-mile delivery. He explained that organizations must evaluate the cost of fulfilling each order, rather than focusing solely on increasing their distribution volumes or reducing delivery times.

He also pointed out that the design of logistics networks must start from a strategy that considers the target market and customer, as well as the size of the necessary infrastructure and the selection of appropriate technologies for each operation.

Technology and specialized talent

Regarding the digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises, the specialist maintained that the adoption of technological tools should begin with a review of internal procedures.

“If we don’t have the right processes, any technology I apply is going to fail,” he said, explaining that the selection of warehouse or transportation management systems must respond to the needs and complexity of each operation.

The specialist even identified six challenges for supply chains : specialized talent, cybersecurity, trade volatility, infrastructure capacity, operating costs, and artificial intelligence governance.

Regarding human capital , he emphasized the growing need for professionals capable of combining operational knowledge, data analysis, financial management, and AI tools , without replacing human judgment with the responses of technological systems.

Finally, Várguez Reyes considered that companies must stop evaluating their supply chains solely as cost centers and begin to recognize their capacity to generate profitability, through the integration of information and technologies that allow them to anticipate problems and make decisions in real time.

The image in this article was generated using artificial intelligence.

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