A recent HERE Technologies survey of transportation and logistics professionals in the US, UK and Germany shows that many companies have yet to adopt data analytics and AI software baseline, potentially limiting their ability to set climate goals or make progress on sustainable development.
Based on responses from transportation and logistics organization professionals, 50% of companies use basic data analytics in their operations, while 25% use artificial intelligence capabilities. Respondents indicated they want to improve the implementation of technology, particularly in terms of route planning and tracking, but most see cost as a major barrier to doing so. Other barriers include disruption to existing services and lack of internal expertise.
Companies Express Slow Progress in Supply Chain Visibility
The poll also looked at whether companies were prioritizing sustainable practices, finding that 33% of companies had absolutely no sustainability goals or plans to develop them, and 27% explained that their company’s sustainability goals company were still under development. Sustainability was also ranked as the least important consideration in terms of end-to-end logistics and supply chain management.
About three in four respondents believe their company has made progress in supply chain visibility, but fewer than one in four admit to having made “significant” progress.
“On the one hand, this study shows the progress companies are making in increasing the visibility of their supply chain,” said Remco Timmer, vice president of product management at HERE Technologies. “On the other hand, it is clear that the industry currently lacks the contextual data, AI capabilities and tools needed to optimize fleet deployments, routing and appropriate mode switching.
Companies also reported that shipping is the most difficult to track throughout the supply chain, while trucking operations maintain the best real-time visibility.
The potential of technology to improve sustainable development practices
Supply chain visibility, although difficult to achieve, can be significantly improved through data management and AI services. Several Data analysis and AI-based systems have been found to improve supply chain efficiency and identify areas where changes can be made to make supply chains more sustainable.
A recent study of Gecko Robotics and Rho Impact found that the use of AI and robotics could significantly reduce emissions from shipping and other heavy industries known for their high performance. emissions – enough to reduce US emissions by 18%. A joint white paper from Hanshow, Microsoft, Intel and E Ink also indicates that businesses could benefit from the growth of green digitalization as they strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are seeing increased demand for location data and services that enable logistics companies to overcome disruptions in real time while reducing emissions and improving employee safety,” Timmer said.
