AI in logistics – how can artificial intelligence affect delivery efficiency?

Artificial intelligence is increasingly entering the field of logistics, changing the way routes are planned, fleets are managed and supply chains are monitored. AI in logistics allows companies to significantly reduce transport costs, shorten delivery times and increase the predictability of processes. How exactly do algorithms support transport optimisation and why is their implementation becoming standard in modern e-commerce?

The use of AI in logistics – optimisation of transport processes

Transport is at the heart of logistics. Shipping products from the warehouse to the customer generates huge costs, but at the same time is extremely important in terms of customer satisfaction.  It is in the area of transport that companies most often seek to optimise costs and operational efficiency.

Why can AI help you in this area? Primarily because it enables you to:

• Delivery route optimisation : AI algorithms analyse thousands of possible route options. They take into account weather and road conditions as well as customer preferences.  
• Fleet management : AI will help you control fuel consumption. It will also predict the need for servicing (in terms of necessary inspections) and distribute the load on vehicles evenly. 
• Delay reduction : AI responds to changing transport conditions in real time, enabling it to quickly and efficiently identify alternative routes for couriers.

This gives deliveries two fundamental advantages: they are predictable and faster. The icing on the cake is well-optimised transport costs.  

Another area where AI brings tremendous value is failure prediction. Artificial intelligence systems analyse data from IoT sensors placed in vehicles. They check data such as engine temperature, tyre wear, vibrations and fluid parameters.  Based on this, AI can predict when a vehicle may require servicing. . 
 
Amazon is another excellent example. They use artificial intelligence to predict breakdowns in their fleet of lorries and delivery vehicles. Algorithms continuously analyse vast amounts of data and mileage, optimising servicing schedules. This not only minimises costs, but also minimises the risk of delivery delays.

The use of AI in logistics – route planning and cost reduction

When delivering products to your customers, you have surely encountered the problem of vehicle routing, or VRP, more than once. It is a complex mathematical task that involves determining the most efficient route for a courier.

An example of the effective use of AI in this area is the company InPost. The brand implemented the VRP API solution in cooperation with Emapa. It utilises  AI and machine learning, resulting in well-optimised courier routes . 

The system takes several factors into account: costs, drivers' working time and shipment handling efficiency. The tool can reduce transport costs by up to several per cent, which, on a scale of millions of shipments per month, generates significant savings.

This example perfectly illustrates that the use of AI in logistics is not just theory, but a real tool that translates into financial and operational results.

The role of AI in supply chain monitoring

Modern logistics does not end when the parcel is delivered to the customer. It is a whole chain of activities. It all starts with the receipt of goods at the warehouse, through order picking and transport, to returns and complaints.

AI can effectively support this process by monitoring everything in real time. As a business owner, you can track the flow of shipments and respond quickly to disruptions. 

Artificial intelligence will also help you forecast demand. The systems learn and analyse historical data and market trends. The result is a prediction of demand for specific products in specific locations. 

InPost uses artificial intelligence solutions to analyse operational data and streamline logistics processes related to the Paczkomat® parcel locker network. Among other things, AI helps to:  dynamically manage resources and redirect parcels to less busy collection points , which translates into smoother service for e-commerce customers.

The future of deliveries with artificial intelligence

The development of AI makes the future of logistics look extremely interesting, as we can expect a whole host of innovations. We can anticipate the full automation of warehouses, where robots will be responsible for picking orders and packing parcels.

According to forecasts, autonomous delivery vehicles and drones will also appear, which will speed up order fulfilment in cities and hard-to-reach locations. Demand forecasting systems will become even more powerful.  They will take into account not only historical data, but also social trends and changes in consumer behaviour. .

Companies that are already investing in artificial intelligence will gain a huge competitive advantage when these technologies become the norm rather than just a vision. 

Is it worthwhile to implement AI in the logistics area of your company?

The use of AI in logistics is becoming standard practice in many companies. These technologies support route planning, transport cost control and ongoing monitoring of logistics processes.

If you are still considering whether it is worth looking into this topic, consider the following: 

1. faster deliveries,  
2. lower operating costs,
3. better customer shopping experiences,  
4. effective management of logistics infrastructure.  

Customer expectations are growing, and e-commerce is developing dynamically. AI is becoming the key to building competitive advantage. AI will undoubtedly define the future of logistics.