AI-driven technologies can now map the most efficient delivery routes through real-time data analysis from multiple sources.
19 Oct 2024 | 4406 Views | By Ankita Mittal, CEO, Enhanced Innovations
In the ever-changing world of logistics, last-mile delivery has evolved into the most costly and challenging component of the supply chain. The last mile in any delivery process involves shipping the goods from a distribution hub to the customer.
These days, IoT and artificial intelligence are considered as main ...
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In the ever-changing world of logistics, last-mile delivery has evolved into the most costly and challenging component of the supply chain. The last mile in any delivery process involves shipping the goods from a distribution hub to the customer.
These days, IoT and artificial intelligence are considered as main enablers for improving last-mile logistics. They guarantee safe and on-time delivery, resulting in better operational efficiencies and increased customer satisfaction.
Delivering goods to several locations has many moving parts, including elements of traffic, weather, and delivery time windows. AI-driven technologies can now map the most efficient delivery routes through real-time data analysis from multiple sources. McKinsey found that companies using AI for supply chain management have improved logistics costs by 15% and service levels by 65%.
Execution of timely last-mile deliveries also depends on efficient inventory control. Through historical data, market trends, and consumer behaviour analysis, artificial intelligence forecasts demand, enabling businesses to avoid overstocking and stockouts while keeping ideal inventory levels. Demand forecasting driven by AI in cold chain logistics helps avoid major vaccine and pharmaceutical waste.
Two-way communication and real-time delivery updates help AI to enhance the consumer experience. Modern AI-powered chatbots respond to questions related to delivery, keep customers updated, and offer quick help. According to consumer research, customer satisfaction can be raised by up to 20% by AI-driven chatbots . AI systems also look at consumer comments and delivery performance to find areas needing improvement.
IoT and AI in last-mile logistics GPS trackers, temperature sensors, and other IoT devices let businesses obtain real-time data on their goods' location, condition, and state. These sensors let IoT send consumers real-time updates on the state of their orders and precise delivery times. IoT also enables companies to send backup delivery vans should a mechanical breakdown on the road or reroute vehicles ahead of traffic congestion. A McKinsey report suggests that predictive maintenance can reduce equipment downtime by 30% to 50%.
Intelligent warehouses resulting from IoT integration combine sensors and automation tools. These intelligent warehouses automate stock movement, monitor inventory levels constantly, and maximize storage conditions. Real-time inventory tracking made possible by RFID tags and IoT technologies helps lower errors and picking times, improving warehouse efficiency for logistics firms.
IoT devices have also benefited fleet managers by tracking vehicle health, fuel consumption, and driver behaviour. Real-time vehicle data helps to forecast maintenance needs, avoid breakdowns, and improve delivery speed. Using artificial intelligence in fleet management has helped businesses reduce vehicle downtime by 30% and fuel consumption by 15%, as per HGVC UK.
Applications of AI and IoT can significantly help the healthcare industry—especially with regard to cold chain logistics. Vaccines and medications, among temperature-sensitive products, have to be maintained within particular temperature ranges throughout transportation. Their safety and efficacy can be compromised by even slight deviations, leading to financial losses and avoidable medical hazards.
Through real-time continuous monitoring and control of temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors, IoT sensors ensure product safety during transportation. When deviations occur, companies receive automatic alarms so they may take corrective actions immediately.
Regulatory compliance is a significant issue for cold chain logistics, especially in the healthcare sector. Using data collecting, analysis, and reporting, AI and IoT simplify compliance procedures. This capacity ensures that standards of health and safety are met and streamlines auditing procedures.
In conclusion, IoT and artificial intelligence are transforming last-mile transportation today by improving transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. These technologies enable route optimization, improved customer experience, and preservation of sensitive healthcare products. As more logistics firms invest in IoT and AI, last-mile logistics is expected to get smarter, faster, and more consistent.
Ankita Mittal is the CEO of Enhanced Innovations. Views expressed are her own.