Prominent global corporations, such as Unilever, Maersk, and Siemens, increasingly embrace and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to maneuver supply chains effectively. While integrating AI into supply chain management has been a prevalent practice for several years, the advent of generative AI technology has unlocked novel possibilities for automation.
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating geopolitical disputes, multinational enterprises began to monitor their suppliers and customers closely. Furthermore, implementing supply chain regulations in countries like Germany, which mandate thorough due diligence concerning environmental and human rights issues, prompted corporations to make AI investments for supply chain management.
Maersk and Pactum Partnership
Generative AI technology has played a pivotal role in developing chatbots and other software capable of automating discussions and responses to human inquiries. A notable illustration of this is Maersk’s involvement with Pactum, a startup situated in San Francisco. Pactum employs a bot reminiscent of ChatGPT to negotiate contracts with suppliers on behalf of enterprises like Maersk, Walmart, and Wesco. This technological advancement has facilitated swifter communication and negotiation with suppliers, particularly during periods of disruption.
Siemens and Scoutbee
Siemens has also taken steps to reduce its dependence on Chinese suppliers. To address this objective, Siemens has engaged the services of Scoutbee, a startup headquartered in Berlin. Scoutbee’s chatbot can pinpoint alternative suppliers or vulnerabilities within a user’s supply chain, effectively handling the geopolitical facets of supply chain management.
Altana’s Use of AI
AI-driven platforms have also surfaced to meet the demand for product tracing and regulatory adherence. Altana, a startup based in New York, has pioneered a platform that scrutinizes customs declarations, shipping records, and other data points to construct an extensive map interconnecting 500 million global enterprises. This innovative tool empowers customers to trace the origins of products back to suppliers within specific regions and monitor the trajectory of their goods, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring ethical sourcing practices..
The featured image is from freshlogistics.com
