Logistics Service Providers Are Open to Artificial Intelligence

A market analysis commissioned by Weber Data Service from the University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt FHWS confirms the great potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in transport logistics. The study shows a predominantly high willingness to implement AI in their own companies. Simple processes such as capturing, interpreting, and archiving documents are considered particularly promising.

(Bielefeld) In many companies, repetitive workflows are still being handled with “old-fashioned means.” This includes invoicing or filling out packing lists and accompanying documents. Many data points must be manually captured, checked, processed, and stored. These are precisely the processes where AI can significantly simplify work.

The market analysis presented by FHWS in February is titled “Potentials of Artificial Intelligence in Transport Logistics.” The study, conducted by six students under the direction of Prof. Dr. Andreas Rükgauer, focused on European land transport. It examined whether AI-based solutions in specialized logistics software provide added value. Additionally, it questioned whether there are already trends and needs in the industry for implementing AI-based software.

High Expectations Partially Disappointed

“The very high expectations for artificial intelligence or machine learning at the beginning of the hype have been partially disappointed,” Rükgauer notes. However, we are now in a phase where “realistic goals and concrete projects can utilize the potentials of AI for daily business.” This perspective corresponds to the hype cycle developed by the consulting firm Gartner, which divides the development of technological innovations into various phases characterized by an initial hype, subsequent disappointment, and recovery of expectations.

The study also identified barriers to further progress. These include, for example, employees’ fears about job security, skepticism and reluctance from the older generation, and an IT infrastructure that is not yet mature. Moreover, many logistics providers are still “too little involved in digitalization and AI topics.” Consequently, there are still uncertainties regarding the cost-benefit ratio for corresponding investments.

Survey of Logistics Service Providers

Astrid Drexhage

A significant part of the survey is based on interviews with logistics service providers. The companies surveyed include firms such as Dachser, Seifert Logistics GmbH, and Meyer & Meyer, as well as the groupage cooperatives Cargo Line, VTL, and Online System Logistics. Medium-sized logistics providers like Sievers Logistik and the FreightTech-company Timocom also participated in the study. Important input was also provided by consulting firms such as Apari and Camelot.

“The FHWS study has confirmed to us that we will enhance our transport management and warehouse management system DISPONENTplus with practical AI functions,” explains Astrid Drexhage, managing partner of Weber Data Service. In the next step, we want to develop an AI strategy. In this context, we will identify and evaluate suitable application cases together with FH Bielefeld. Additionally, AI-based solution scenarios will be designed, and their feasibility will be examined.

Photo: © Weber Data