4 Ways AI Provides Meaningful Impact
In transportation and logistics, the basis for impactful utilization of the full scope of AI capabilities lies with access to and understanding of data, which often is trapped in paper and manual processes.
Here are four ways using AI to handle documentation can impact efficiency, customer service, and the bottom line.
1. Fulfill orders faster. The faster orders are processed, the sooner they are delivered and the quicker you get paid. Simple, right? Using 24/7 automated processes to take care of your customers’ incoming purchases cuts costs and improves productivity.
Take brewery giant Carlsberg as an example. The company used to receive client orders by email, requiring employees to read and manually enter each PO into their system. By implementing AI-powered intelligent document processing to read and process POs automatically, Carlsberg saved about eight minutes per order, which adds up to enormous cost savings when you ship beer around the world.
2. Speed customs clearance. No manufacturer or retailer wants their goods to be held up at border control. This sort of delay can lead to product spoilage, demurrage, and detention fees, or missed delivery deadlines. The most common reasons for delays are rooted in inaccurate or non-compliant paperwork.
When choosing a transport and logistics provider, it’s imperative to know that they use purpose-built AI to reliably extract data from shipping documents to populate downstream systems and can automatically submit to national customs systems without manual review.
Automated classification and validation of data—from line items on bills of lading, certificates of origin, dangerous goods declarations, commercial invoices, and more—greatly reduces errors and delays.
This was the case with frozen pie manufacturer Portumna Pastry. The Irish company was able to reduce customs clearance times at the EU/UK border from more than one hour to just five minutes by using AI to extract complex transportation and logistics documents with 100% accuracy.
3. Ensure a happier staff. With a global skills shortage expected to worsen in the coming years, companies are desperately looking for ways to both attract and retain talent. Technology is one way.
A recent survey of business leaders—including transport and logistics providers—finds that the use of AI contributed to a 62% increase in employee happiness as well as a rise in employee retention levels (49%). One-third of respondents acknowledged that smart technology helped provide a better work-life balance and reduce stress.
By relieving employees of tedious and demotivating tasks such as data input, AI allows more time for meaningful and fulfilling work. That includes building better relationships with clients, which in turn leads to superior customer service.
4. Improve the bottom line. Time is an indispensable resource, particularly when it’s directly tied to cash flow, making AI a transformative tool when strategically used to cut down on inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
Accounts payable (AP) is often one of the first areas of operation to leverage AI in automation due to the considerable amount of paperwork, manual data entry and meticulous checking for accuracy. Automating AP also provides transparency in the payment flow, reducing the risk of billing errors and suspicious charges while enabling timely and secure payment to vendors and contractors.
Ultimately, the most important factor in incorporating AI into your operations is ensuring that it solves specific business challenges. Use AI in a meaningful and deliberate way to achieve the best outcome for your company.