AI Solutions To Enhance Supply Chain Operations

Published: 2021-01-28 09:08:58


As the world works double time on managing the coronavirus outbreak, it has also revealed many vulnerabilities in global supply chain operations across most sectors and industries. Today, organizations are in reaction mode. Business leaders are searching for ways to streamline operational efficiency and balance sheets. They are entirely focused on maintaining supply and meeting the needs of their customers through hard work. 
Unfortunately, outdated technology is holding the industry back in this time of uncertainty. Inability to adapt to new technology can result in missed or delayed deliveries, closed warehouses, and ultimately, financial loss. Now is the time for leaders to evaluate how they can proactively enhance supply chain operations. This blog shows how AI solutions can improve supply chain operations. 
Importance of AI Solution in Supply Chain Operations
[Artificial Intelligence](https://www.fingent.com/blog/9-examples-of-artificial-intelligence-transforming-business-today/) (AI) is making its way into all sectors. Interestingly, it is also picking up the pace when it comes to supply chain operations. [Custom software solutions](https://www.fingent.com/custom-software-development/) are beginning to apply the AI capabilities to detect errors and amplify important decisions.
Procurement of raw materials, managing partners, and planning and executing tasks sequentially requires efficient data analytics. Increasing complexity in supply chain IT infrastructure makes it challenging to achieve the agility and speed needed to survive and thrive in today’s competitive market. AI is essential here. 
AI is armed with computing techniques that assist in selecting and analyzing large quantities of data that are collected from the supply chain. It can process terabytes or even petabytes of data. Those results can be used to initiate processes and complex functions. 
Uncontrolled fluctuations in demand is another problem that could create more crisis for traditional supply chains to manage. The key would be to find innovative ways to deliver exactly what a customer needs with minimal supply chain interruptions. To increase flexibility and agility in the supply chain, businesses need to focus on implementing AI solutions.
Here are six specific ways AI solutions can enhance supply chain operations:
1.	Machine Learning Can Enhance Supply Chain Planning
Supply chain planning plays an important role in supply chain operations. It is thus crucial to have intelligent work tools to help businesses build concrete plans. Machine Learning can help in forecasting inventory, demand, and supply. When it is correctly applied through work tools, Machine Learning can improve agility and optimization of the supply chain. It can thus have a positive effect on decision-making.
Supply chain management professionals can use Machine Learning technologies to provide the best possible scenarios. These scenarios are based on intelligent algorithms and analysis of Big Data. This can optimize the delivery of goods while balancing demand and supply without any need for human analysis.
2.	Chatbots Can Enhance Procurement and Customer Support
Organizing procurement related tasks need access to robust and intelligent data sets. Chatbots can be utilized in everyday supply chain operations to help with this. They make it easy to:
●	Speak to suppliers
●	Set and send actions to suppliers regarding compliance materials
●	Place purchase requests
●	Raise questions regarding procurement functionalities
With the help of AI, most customer engagements can be handled by chatbots. This can help in personalizing the relationship between logistics providers and customers.
3.	ML Can Enhance Warehouse Management 
Supply chain operations depend heavily on proper warehouse and inventory-based management. Supply flaws such as under-stocking or over-stocking can be disastrous for just about any consumer-based company. Additionally, the lockdown across the globe has sent e-commerce into overdrive. Businesses must ensure fast, reliable service to maintain their reputation and obtain a competitive advantage.
ML can assist in creating a smart warehouse that is fully automated. That means mundane and manual tasks are simplified and operations become cost-effective. Additionally, ML provides an endless loop of forecasting that keeps improving itself constantly. Such capabilities can reshape warehouse management for the better. 
4.	Predictive Analytics Can Enhance Forecasting 
Supplier selections and sourcing is an increasing concern for businesses. Just one mistake in the operations of a supplier body can prove catastrophic for the business. Merchandisers make critical decisions based on data sets. These data sets include information regarding audits, supplier assessments, and credit scoring. 
Thankfully, AI can provide the best possible scenario for the supplier section. With the help of intelligible algorithms and ML, passive data set could be activated. Thus, supplier selection would become more predictive and intelligible than ever before. 
Another area where predictive analytics proved helpful is shipping. Shipping is at the heart of the supply chain. Faster and more accurate shipping can reduce transportation expenses and lead times. As coronavirus is spreading at different rates across the countries, the transportation capacity is reducing. AI services can enhance efficiencies in network planning and predictive demand. It can help merchandisers to become more proactive. When they know exactly what to expect, they can adjust the number of vehicles. This allows them to respond to the demand by directing vehicles to locations where maximum demand is expected. This can minimize operational costs. 
5.	Genetic Algorithms Enhance Delivery and Reduce Costs
In supply chain operations, every mile and minute matters. Genetic algorithms help companies map out optimal routes for deliveries. It can help drivers make timely and cost-effective deliveries. It allows merchandisers to plan the delivery route depending on traffic conditions or other factors.