The AI opportunity: Collaboration and connection
AI is the buzzword of our times. And yet, adoption rates are still low, at about 25%.
Now is not the time to be complacent.
Successful AI can only be built on one foundation: high-quality, structured data, such as that generated by a proven transport platform network.
Conclusion: current low adoption rates are a clear competitive opportunity for companies with the appropriate mindset, backed by corroborated network data. Practical applications in logistics are already delivering value. We’ve seen how procurement functions are bolstered by AI-powered data.
In terms of risk mitigation, a key area from a logistics and supply chain perspective sits in the area of demand forecasting. We’ve been working with our advanced analytics team to gain accurate insights carrier-by-carrier into expected demand and we are now working with the carriers to validate that collaborative process.
Jasper Odijk
Information and Digital Technology Manager, Supply Chain & Logistics, Shell
USE CASE 03 Optimised planning and operations at docks and yards; coordination of outbound and inbound logistics
Loading docks and yards are busy places. They are working to deadlines, moving large vehicles in and out of tight spaces at speed, all the time paying attention to safety rules and, very possibly, the demands of waiting customers in queuing trucks outside the gate and even on public roads.
It can be chaotic, and it can cause stress for managers, workers and drivers, not to mention the need to meet customer service KPIs.
Add factors specific to the chemical industry and the pressure tightens still further. There may be weighing, cleaning and testing procedures to undertake, or wide vehicles competing for specialist dock space with others, for example seeking pipes for fluid load/unload.
Time slots become competitive when drivers have other runs to complete in a set number of hours.
The scope for incidents, for delays, for angry customers, is high.
Meanwhile, there are opportunities to unify inbound and outbound logistics to maximise flow and enjoy efficiency gains.
When selecting your most appropriate platform, avoid attempting to implement a solution to fix the wrong problem.
ASK YOURSELF KEY QUESTIONS:
Are there bottlenecks at your yards?
What percentage of trucks arrives late for appointed times?
How long, and complex, is your registration process?
Are you dealing with drivers from many countries and perhaps with limited language skills in some territories?
What are the average waiting times across your yards, and do they differ from site to site?
If the answers to any (or all) of the above give you cause for concern, AI-powered platform data can address those issues.
An appropriate platform network will provide the data to optimise your operations in all of the following: Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) technology powered by AI, enables you to plan and rearrange dock schedules alongside your customers with informed knowledge of arrival times and delay notifications.
Time Slot Management (TSM) combined with Real-Time Visibility enables all parties to view, share, alert and, if necessary, rearrange arrival times.
In addition, TSM meets the following requirements specific to the chemical industry:
Slots can be blocked or allocated as appropriate to fit requirements for shipments needing testing, weighing or specific space restraints.
Minimises disruption to other trucks or users.
Real-time visibility of all shipments enables scheduling and allocation of slots appropriate to the requirements of the load.
Optimises human resource at the yard sites for peak and off-peak, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Digital document management accelerates registration and exit processes for drivers and ensures vital safety procedures in the handling of chemical goods are followed.
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