Artificial intelligence in logistics represents a revolution in the supply chain management, especially for perishable products.
As the demand for high-quality food grows, the application of AI becomes increasingly essential to meet these challenges.
In this context, we will explore how artificial intelligence can transform food logistics, addressing its applications, benefits and future trends shaping the sector. Check it out!
What is artificial intelligence in logistics?
Artificial intelligence in logistics refers to the use of algorithms and systems that automate and analyze data in real time in order to optimize operational processes.
Applications of artificial intelligence in food logistics
From this point on, we will talk specifically about artificial intelligence for the storage and transportation of perishable foods.
Check out where AI can be applied:
- Management of warehouses with temperature control
- Management of predictive and corrective maintenance of equipment
- Optimization of space within the warehouse
- Reduced operator handling times within the warehouse
- Increased productivity
- Optimization of routes for transporting refrigerated and frozen foods
- Tracking of cargo, such as fruits, vegetables, meat and so forth
- Demand forecast
- Weather patterns
- Among others
How can artificial intelligence help perishable food logistics? Key benefits
AI helps us predict demand patterns, manage inventory, and improve decision-making — all of which provide a solid foundation for industry innovation — but of course, this is only the beginning.
Below, we will talk more about the benefits of AI for the perishable food sector, check it out:
Reduced costs
By applying artificial intelligence (AI) to various areas of our operations, we have been able to increase efficiency and reduce costs in a strategic manner. Below are the main areas where AI has generated value:
- Predictive and corrective maintenance: AI makes it possible to identify the need for maintenance before failures occur, minimizing unplanned downtime and extending the useful life of equipment.
- Space optimization: with AI algorithms, we achieve better organization of products in the warehouse, maximizing the use of available space, improving warehouse profitability, especially for logistics operators.
- Reduced handling time within the warehouse: AI maps ideal routes for operators, streamlining processes and reducing handling time within the warehouse.
- Increased productivity: especially in repetitive operations, AI can increase operator productivity, whether in the process of receiving and dispatching products, loading trucks, selecting products (picking), among others. The automation of repetitive processes and data analysis allow for productivity gains by freeing up operators for more complex activities.
- Route optimization for transportation: we apply AI to determine the most efficient routes, reducing fuel costs and ensuring that refrigerated and frozen products arrive in perfect condition.
- Cargo tracking: we monitor fruits, vegetables, meats and other perishable products in real time, offering visibility and control over transport conditions.
- Forecast of demands and weather patterns: with AI, we anticipate demand and adjust operations according to weather variations, ensuring better planning and resource allocation.
Artificial intelligence has been fundamental to improving our operations, delivering efficient results and maintaining our commitment to quality and sustainability.
This not only reduces labor and storage costs, but also ensures the optimization of available resources.
Reduced handling and optimized warehouse operations
In order to maximize operational efficiency, we adopt practices that reduce handling time and optimize the use of resources in the warehouse:
- Organize access doors intelligently: positioning high-turnover goods close to the doors makes receiving and shipping easier, while pallets with lower turnover can be allocated in areas that are more distant.
- Assign activities to the nearest operators: assigning tasks to the operators nearer to each activity reduces unnecessary travel and increases productivity.
- Prioritize pallets and allocate them based on permanence: predict which pallets will remain in the warehouse longer and allocate them strategically, reserving areas near the doors for products with higher turnover.
- Optimize picking lines: adjust picking lines based on product consumption behavior, ensuring an organization that keeps up with demand.
- Plan stock replenishment: schedule replenishments accurately to ensure product availability for picking operators, avoiding interruptions.
- Maximize the use of pallets in picking: optimize the use of pallets to improve vehicle cubage and reduce the number of trips required.
- Manage inventory by expiration: select inventory close to expiration or according to customer criteria to avoid waste and meet quality requirements.
- Load trucks based on routes: organize loading according to the capacity of each vehicle and route conditions, optimizing safety and efficiency in transportation.
- Synchronize loading with unloading at the destination: load trucks according to the scheduled unloading process at the destination, facilitating delivery and minimizing waiting time.
These practices allow for an integrated and efficient operation, creating logistics that is more agile, economical and sustainable.
Reduced failures
The precision provided by artificial intelligence in logistics leads to a reduction in failures throughout the supply chain.
With systems that continuously monitor and analyze processes, it is possible to quickly identify and correct errors to avoid delivery delays and ensure the quality of perishable products.
Through predictive analytics, we can anticipate problems before they become critical.
This proactive approach not only improves operational efficiency, but also increases confidence in our services, as we are able to provide strict control over the quality of the products we deliver.
Customer satisfaction
The ability to accurately forecast demand and optimize delivery of perishable products is essential for customers to receive their orders on time and in perfect condition.
Furthermore, by using AI it is possible to better meet your specific needs, whether through product recommendations or adapting offers.
In a market where quality and reliability are crucial, the smart use of technology is a differentiator.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing perishable food logistics, offering solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve service quality.
By forecasting demand, optimizing the use of warehouse space, and monitoring conditions in real time, companies can reduce waste and ensure that perishable products reach consumers in optimal conditions.
With AI, the food logistics industry is better prepared to respond to the growing challenges of quality, speed and sustainability.
Integrating AI into the supply chain is becoming increasingly crucial to meet the demands of a competitive market while enabling a more efficient and sustainable future.
Emergent Cold LatAm is ready to help your company adapt to this new era of technology applied to food logistics. Talk to us and find out how we can transform your operations and prepare them for the future!
Our experience in protecting your product throughout the cold chain for food makes us a standout choice in Latin America.
