AI in logistics: How is it shaping our industry?

Technology-01.jpeg.jpg

This month, Sam Fagan shares his insights on how AI is shaping our supply chain…

Long gone are the days of playfully debating if robots might one day take over. In 2024, the presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives is undeniable, and its impact on our world is profound. 

The simple reality is that AI isn’t just coming; it’s already here.

But at Fagan & Whalley, one question has caught our attention this month. In an industry as vital as ours, which has conventionally been characterised by a rich history of expertise and tradition, is the supply chain management sector truly prepared to embrace the rise of AI in logistics? 

Let’s take a look…

What is AI?

AI is defined as a branch of computer science that is dedicated to creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Examples of such tasks include interpreting complex data, recognising patterns, learning from experiences and making decisions. 

AI in Logistics: What does that look like?

Having gained a basic understanding of the broader concept of AI, it’s crucial to appreciate its real-world impact on our daily lives. 

The last few years have been transformative for much of the logistics industry. 

With the growing rise of new technologies, new ways of working and new expectations – many logistics companies have been driven to rethink the way we operate. With that said, there is one specific area where the impact of AI has been particularly pronounced: vehicle telematics.

AI in Logistics: Vehicle telematics

It could be argued that telematics is the backbone of modern logistics. 

Telematics offers us real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicles and driver behaviours, – essentially, giveing us greater insight into our fleet and operations. 

While telematics has existed for well over a decade, the field is constantly evolving as technology improves and develops. In the last couple of years, AI has supercharged the results gained from telematics by allowing companies to create safer roads, improve fuel efficiencies, predict vehicle maintenance, increase route optimisation, reduce operational costs and much more. 

Let’s take a closer look at how AI is helping logistics companies evolve…

Increased driver safety

Firstly, a critical benefit of vehicle telematics is increased driver safety. Specifically, the implementation of advanced camera systems that leverage AI to detect driver distractions is a potentially transformative safety feature. 

These intelligent systems are designed to monitor for signs of distraction or fatigue and can issue timely nudges or alerts to drivers, reminding them to refocus or take necessary breaks. 

This proactive approach not only enhances the safety of drivers themselves but also contributes to the overall safety of our roads.

Improved customer service through vehicle tracking

Secondly, the integration of AI in logistics, particularly through vehicle tracking, significantly enhances customer service and customer satisfaction. Telematics means logistics companies can provide customers with real-time updates about the location of their goods, expected delivery times and any potential delays. 

In this day and age, this transparency isn’t a novelty or an ‘extra’ service offering – it’s simply the bare minimum expectation. We live in a world where instant information is expected at our fingertips, and this extends to the logistics industry.

For many of our clients, the ability to track shipments builds trust with their consumers. We know from data that when consumers have access to the progress of their delivery, it reduces uncertainty and anxiety – particularly for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. While this level of service was once a luxury, it is now a competitive necessity in the logistics industry – and telematics allows companies like our own to meet these high standards. 

Prediction of vehicle maintenance

Yet another way that telematics is currently benefiting the logistics industry is through the ability to predict when vehicles in fleets will require maintenance. This is also known as ‘predictive maintenance’. 

Traditional maintenance schedules often relied solely on intervals or mileage, which often led to unnecessary service checks or, conversely, unexpected breakdowns. Telematics changes this for fleet operators by using predictive analytics to forecast when a vehicle will likely require maintenance. These predictions are based on real-time data and historical performance metrics.

Not only does predictive maintenance optimise fleet performance, streamline operations and reduce downtime, but it also significantly cuts costs associated with unexpected breakdowns and repairs. The predictive model allows for more efficient use of resources by ensuring that maintenance is performed exactly when needed rather than on a rigid schedule that may not reflect the vehicle’s actual condition or usage patterns.

Reduced carbon emissions

Finally, the logistics industry is increasingly under pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility and demonstrate sustainable logistics practices. 

Through optimising routes, minimising empty running and preventing unnecessary maintenance on vehicles, AI offers companies a tangible way to lessen their carbon footprint and shift towards greener operations. This is a huge advantage not only for logistics companies but also for their clients, who will often have sustainability targets of their own to meet, too. 

As time ticks by, we predict this will only continue to be necessary for companies to future-proof themselves against shifts in consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. 

AI in logistics: What do Fagan & Whalley think?

At Fagan & Whalley, we pride ourselves on our investments in cutting-edge resources and tools that create safer, more innovative and efficient ways of working. 

We’re confident that our integration of AI in logistics operations not only aligns with our commitment to innovation and sustainability goals but also enables us to serve our customers better and contribute to safer roads. 

For more information on how the technology we use can help streamline your logistics solutions – get in touch. Speak to us on 01282 771983 or drop us a message here.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Fagan & Whalley Limited

Latest news

1

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

2

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

24 Apr 2025

3

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director Craig Bancroft and Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Northcote announces new owners Alf and Clare Ellis as Lisa Goodwin-Allen returns as chef patron-director

24 Apr 2025

4

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

5

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin