Leading provider of global freight management solutions
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
TECHNOLOGY : LOGISTICS VISIBILITY
to understand its most popular menu items . An AI tool can figure out what questions to ask , where to source dietary preferences and consumer demographics , and then model its assumptions . As it tests scenarios and self-corrects , the tool can see how individual menu items perform and order the correct ingredients to optimize profit margins .
Continuous improvement is another area where AI can help , especially when applied to reverse logistics . Every returned item poses a cost to brands and suppliers . AI can monitor returns across regional demographics , product types , reasons for return , etc ., and discover and analyze trends in the data to help manufacturers remove defects , change marketing strategies and improve quality control . Return optimization can reduce waste , eliminate costs and improve relationships .
“ In some parts of the healthcare world , if the packaging has been opened , then there are no return privileges . AI can learn the frequency and reasons for open packaging and suggest warning messages on certain products that tell customers that products can ’ t be returned ,” Dunsmore said . In those cases , the healthcare customer might open one package , test its contents and then return it if it doesn ’ t meet their needs .
In addition to preventing returns in the first place , AI can also help suppliers improve other parts of reverse logistics by determining if returned products can be resold , salvaged , repaired , recycled or discarded .
Ultimately , AI is helping to break down barriers — not just in the operational supply chain itself , but in the relationships between suppliers , manufacturers and consumers — by building a better ecosystem that includes the end customer .
“ Our client ’ s ecosystem a year-and-ahalf ago was their supplier network , their carrier network , their third-party software network and of course their own network ,”
Dunsmore said . “ What ’ s changing is that the ecosystem is now bringing in their end customer . The ecosystem is expanding and using technologies and capabilities to deliver for the consumer .”
Getting closer to the consumer is vital in an increasingly competitive marketplace . That ’ s why AI can be truly transformative for supply chain visibility . From improving data quality and predicting demand to dealing with disruptions and understanding changes , the industry is only beginning to uncover its power . n
email : paul . maplesden @ gmail . com
Leading provider of global freight management solutions
As a leading provider of global freight management solutions and services , nVision Global works with all modes of transportation in the logistics and supply chain industry . With offices worldwide , the company has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimize their global transportation operations and improve overall efficiency . nVision Global specializes in freight audit and payment , order management , supplier management , visibility , TMS and freight spend analytics . Its comprehensive suite of solutions enables businesses to gain visibility into logistics processes , reduce costs , mitigate risks and make datadriven decisions .
One of nVision Global ’ s core offerings is its freight audit and payment services . By leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise , the company ensures accurate and timely auditing of freight invoices , identifies billing errors or discrepancies , and helps businesses recover overcharges . This service not only saves companies significant time and effort , but also enhances financial control and improves cash flow .
In addition to freight audit and payment , nVision Global ’ s transportation management system , Impact TMS , provides end-toend visibility and control over the entire transportation lifecycle . The company ’ s TMS solutions streamline operations , automate processes , optimize routing and carrier selection , and provide realtime tracking and reporting capabilities . This enables businesses to optimize their logistics operations , improve service levels and enhance customer satisfaction . nVision Global ’ s business intelligence solutions offer powerful analytics and reporting tools that enable businesses to transform raw transportation data into actionable insights . By consolidating and analyzing vast amounts of data , companies can identify trends , measure performance and make informed decisions to drive operational improvements and cost savings . With a customer-centric approach , nVision Global has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions that address the complex challenges of the logistics industry . Its commitment to technology , expertise and customer satisfaction has positioned the company as a leading global partner for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chain and transportation operations . n
56 Journal of Commerce | September 9 , 2024 www . joc . com