LOGISTICS AND AI

The role of artificial intelligence in this sector.

Artificial intelligence is optimizing logistics through advanced data analytics, demand forecasting, and predictive maintenance, resulting in more agile and efficient operations.

por Rebecca Vettore

Thousands of artificial intelligence tools are used by logistics companies. But this discovery is not new. Very popular in the late 2000s, Waze and Google Maps – tools that use AI – have become essential in the daily lives of drivers. With the indication of shorter routes and identification of possible obstacles along the way, these instruments have changed the way the logistics sector operates.

Since then, many AI tools have emerged and gained ground in this sector. Currently, logistics professionals not only use artificial intelligence to discover the best route but also benefit from it in fleet management systems through vehicle monitoring and driver registration, in the analysis of large volumes of regional data, and much more.

“In the logistics sector, artificial intelligence can be trained to understand regional particularities by segmenting through geographical location, ensuring compliance with local regulations, managing risks, optimizing workflow performance, assessing customer behavior for better negotiation strategies and communication,” says Alexandre Pimenta, CEO of Asia Shipping.

In logistics, artificial intelligence is also used in data analysis, making inventory control, customer data, and sales processes much easier. Therefore, the use of AI in this area is not a threat to human labor but rather a tool for optimizing time, value, and physical work.

DEMAND AND ROUTING

One of the main logistical challenges is accurately predicting demand and efficiently routing deliveries. AI offers advanced solutions that allow companies to anticipate demand patterns, considering seasonal variables and market trends. Moreover, AI-based routing algorithms can calculate the most efficient routes, considering multiple factors such as traffic and delivery restrictions.

“By using AI, we can analyze large volumes of regional data and thereby understand the particularities of each region. With this information, it’s possible to personalize logistics strategies for each area, adjusting inventory and service levels according to local demands. Artificial intelligence can assist in managing specific risks, such as infrastructure problems or adverse weather conditions,” says Jamir Carlos Cordeiro da Silva, CEO at Coopercarga.

INVENTORY AND WAREHOUSING MANAGEMENT

Inventory and warehousing management are crucial to avoid overstocking or shortages of products, ensuring the availability of the right items at the right time. AI enables more precise inventory management by analyzing consumption patterns and even consumer behavior to predict future demand more accurately. There are already studies in artificial intelligence applied to robots and drones aimed at improving performance and mitigating risks.

Additionally, AI systems can optimize warehouse layouts, maximizing available space and reducing the time needed to locate products. “These systems are also capable of indicating the best place to store each product based on turnover, optimizing their separation and warehouse movement flow,” says Felipe Dellacqua, CSMO at Infracommerce.

PREDICTIVE ROUTE MAINTENANCE

For companies relying on their own fleet for logistics operations, preventive maintenance is essential to prevent failures and ensure vehicle availability. AI is revolutionizing fleet maintenance with predictive maintenance systems that use sensors and advanced algorithms to monitor vehicle conditions in real-time. These systems can detect signs of wear or malfunction before serious issues arise, enabling proactive interventions and reducing downtime.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SECTOR

Despite the evident benefits, the adoption of AI in Brazilian logistics faces several challenges. One of the main ones is inadequate technological infrastructure in many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, issues related to data security and privacy also need to be considered.

However, the opportunities are vast. With the Brazilian market becoming increasingly competitive, companies investing in technologies like AI can gain a significant advantage. The growing ecosystem of technology startups in Brazil is driving innovation in logistics, offering customized solutions for local market needs.

In this edition, seven logistics companies interviewed by Eletrolar News share about the positive changes that artificial intelligence has brought to their businesses.

ASIA SHIPPING

Founded in 1996, Asia Shipping is a Brazilian multinational specializing in managing logistics processes for goods, both in import and export, using air, sea, and road transport modes. Considered the largest digital logistics integrator in Latin America, the company operates in 12 countries with 41 offices worldwide, including 10 in Brazil.

“With artificial intelligence, logistics professionals will experience a significant reduction in repetitive tasks, enabling a more analytical role focused on innovation alongside the technology team.”

Six months ago, it started a project to use artificial intelligence in identifying different work formats. “The idea was to use AI to scale processes that deliver greater agility in communication. After starting the project, we had a significant impact on innovation thinking and revised workflow,” explains Alexandre Pimenta, CEO at Asia Shipping.

Currently, Asia Shipping is training artificial intelligence to generate analyses with large volumes of data, scale procedures, and streamline communication on a global scale.

COOPERCARGA

Founded in 1990, the Coopercarga group has branches in various regions of Brazil and other Mercosur countries. To keep up with growth, the logistics company has also begun integrating fuel stations and establishing logistics and distribution centers.

“AI is already one of the primary drivers of transformation in the logistics sector. It will enable more agile, efficient, and sustainable operations.”

Jamir Carlos Cordeiro da Silva, CEO at Coopercarga, explains that the company uses AI in several ways. “We use natural language models to capture loads from multiple channels simultaneously, which are registered on our platform where intelligent routing is performed.”

The company, which began implementing AI alongside the development of the CooperPlace Platform in 2021, also utilizes smart algorithms that match cargo, vehicles, drivers, and geolocation, as well as driver registrations with facial biometrics and document digitization. “In our strategic planning, we aim to deepen studies and expand applications to other business verticals and operations starting this semester,” says the CEO.

CONTRAIL LOGISTICA

Founded in 2010 with the goal of transporting containers between the port of Santos and the Planalto de São Paulo, Contrail Logistica created the Centros Ferroviários de Consolidação de Carga (Cargo Consolidation Rail Centers) to facilitate the collection and distribution of products. It is responsible for implementing the country’s first intermodal hub, spanning 300,000 sqm with the capacity to handle up to 1.2 million containers.

“Operational excellence will be driven by AI’s ability to transform vast amounts of data into actionable insights. Embracing this technology will place companies at the forefront, benefiting from faster, safer, and more efficient operations.”

According to Danilo Ferreira Guimarães, IT coordinator at Contrail Logistica, currently the most utilized resource in the company concerning artificial intelligence is ChatGPT. The tool works to optimize training processes.

“At Contrail Logistics, technology has always been very present. We are constantly seeking innovations and keeping an eye on new technologies in the digital market, aiming to improve our processes and ensure operational efficiency and excellence. We have already started the study phase for incorporating AI into our operational systems,” says Danilo.

INFRACOMMERCE

Founded in 2012, Infracommerce currently operates in nine South American countries. With 10 distribution centers and approximately 3,500 employees, the company’s strength lies in the integration of advanced technologies.

“AI will become integral to processes and a major competitive advantage for companies. In the future, logistics will feature even smarter AI systems capable of optimizing the entire supply chain end-to-end and delivering a superior customer experience.”

Two years ago, artificial intelligence tools began to be used within the company. Through the acquisition of TEVEC, Infracommerce started anticipating customer demand, enabling smarter inventory planning, and avoiding stockouts.

“The AI’s role focuses on consumer intelligence, marketing & growth intelligence, and inventory and supply intelligence. Over 1 billion data points and 4 million processes are handled daily, serving more than 255,000 stores. Over the years, several tools have been developed, applying more than 60 artificial intelligence algorithms, resulting in over 100 practical use cases with significant outcomes,” reports Felipe Dellacqua, CSMO at Infracommerce.

JAMEF TRANSPORTES

Founded over 60 years ago, Jamef Transportes has 32 units spread across all regions of Brazil. The company provides customized solutions for parcel transportation for clients of all sizes in both B2B and B2C sectors, operating in road and air modes throughout the national territory.

“I believe that soon we will see 100% automated warehouses with robots managing the entire process of receiving, storing, and shipping products. Autonomous vehicles will become increasingly common.”

Six years ago, Jamef Transportes began investing in artificial intelligence technologies. At that time, the company implemented a fleet technology called embedded safety.

“We have invested heavily in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment, focusing on the protection and comfort of our drivers. Safety modalities include Telemetry and Fatigue Sensor. Both technologies are integrated along with monitoring videos across the company’s entire fleet,” explains Paulo Nogueirão, commercial and marketing director at Jamef Transportes.

KM CARGO

The company provides logistics solutions nationwide, offering road transport, express cargo, and air transport since 2000. It has extensive experience in sectors such as pharmacy, hygiene products, cosmetics, apparel, and electronics.

“The advancement of artificial intelligence in the future will enhance logistics management efficiency, personalize processes according to customer needs, and automate activities with agility using increasingly prevalent robotic mechanisms.”

Recognizing the digital transformation, KM Cargo has developed an AI-powered solution called Crisis Center. Through online cargo traceability, their clients receive automatic and hourly updated information.

“This combination offers a multitude of opportunities for task execution, as well as for the development of other technologies aimed at better business management,” explains Mauro Pavan, commercial director at KM Cargo.

MAERSK

Founded in Denmark in 1904, Maersk is today a global conglomerate. With a fleet of over 700 ships, the company is one of the leading names in maritime transport worldwide. In Brazil, in addition to maritime services, it offers air transport and logistics solutions and supply chain management.

“Technology as a whole – considering artificial intelligence as part of that whole – already impacts logistics today and will continue to do so.”

Alexandre Cecolim, regional director of business development in contract logistics at Maersk in Latin America, believes that truly integrated logistics connects the physical and digital spheres, combining real-time options to optimize supply chains with a high degree of operational control and a modular network design to increase flexibility.

Maersk has global platforms that provide visibility across the supply chain, including predictive recommendations that offer real-time options to optimize cargo flow, Alexandre explains. “Aliança Navegação e Logística – a company within the group – developed Loopt, where artificial intelligence supports decision-making, ensuring efficiency and precision. This is a powerful predictive tool for optimizing cargo analysis in coastal shipping, with over 90% accuracy.”

Source: Revista Eletrolar News – Edição #161