Logistics procurement is set for rapid change, with the advent of sourcing bots to automate negotiations for higher-frequency mini-tenders and spot bids. AI-enabled software agents that autopilot sophisticated sourcing optimization systems are already in place for some of the world’s largest shippers. The first bots were in the ocean and air categories, and now FTL and LTL sourcing bots are set to be launched in early 2021. The heightened ability for some shippers to go to market faster and respond to exogenous events that cause disruptions means that a competitive advantage will be bestowed on early adopters. Furthermore, companies that leverage intelligent automation for logistics procurement are storing structured data that is tagged. This is critical for AI, and these businesses have a strong foundation to apply machine learning in their supply networks to interrogate them continually and identify where and when changes are required.
Alan Holland, Founder & CEO, Keelvar Systems