CARGOCONNECT JULY2024 - Flipbook - Page 70
E-COMCONNECT 2024
PANEL 3
T
he third panel discussion on ‘SMART FULFILLMENT:
AI AND ROBOTICS IN E-COMMERCE SUPPLY CHAIN’
underscored the pivotal role of AI and robotics in
revolutionising ful昀椀lment processes, thereby setting
a de昀椀nitive precedent for the future of warehouse automation.
The panellists collectively emphasised how AI-driven demand
forecasting enhances inventory management in the current
landscape, optimising operational levels, while robotics automation streamlines processes to signi昀椀cantly boost e昀케ciency and
accuracy. For example, while AI predicts demand and optimises
stock levels, warehouse robots can physically streamline the
movement of inventory for a more e昀昀ective process. As another
example, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated
guided vehicles (AGVs) can be driven by AI-enhanced algorithms.
This dual approach not only reduces turnaround times and
minimises errors but also optimises warehouse or shop-昀氀oor
layouts, ultimately bolstering customer satisfaction. Businesses
today are increasingly adapting to this evolving paradigm by
creating seamless cross-channel experiences, allowing customers
to seamlessly shop and receive orders through their preferred
channels, thus enhancing overall convenience and accessibility.
Moreover, personalised ful昀椀lment experiences are enhancing
customer loyalty by tailoring orders to individual preferences
and offering diverse delivery options. Looking forward, the
panel delved deeper into the transformative potential of smart
ful昀椀lment, exploring strategies to leverage AI and robotics for
further operational e昀케ciency gains and heightened customer
satisfaction in operations.
“A signi昀椀cant aspect of the customer experience revolves around timely delivery. Historically, there has been
insu昀케cient focus on critical elements like ful昀椀lment—ensuring adequate inventory availability and optimising
order placement timing. In B2B environments, automation and robotics are instrumental in expediting
processes. To me, supply chain e昀케ciency means ensuring orders are promptly ful昀椀lled upon placement.
However, merely possessing a robust supply chain network is not su昀케cient. Managing orders across multiple
channels can be complex due to the various stages involved in the ful昀椀lment process. Implementing e昀케cient
ful昀椀lment solutions can yield substantial bene昀椀ts such as improved product management, competitive
shipping costs, faster delivery times, customisable shipping services, and more, particularly as a company
scales and order volumes increase. As Je昀昀 Bezos famously stated, our objective is to deliver more to customers
at the best price. Looking forward, there is an increasing recognition of the necessity to integrate advanced
technologies such as AI and robotics into supply chain operations to further enhance speed, accuracy, and
overall customer satisfaction. This holistic approach streamlines operations and reinforces relationships
by consistently exceeding customer expectations.”
ABHISHEK PURWAR, Global Director– Supply Chain Planning Transformation, Anheuser-Busch InBev
(MODERATOR)
70 | CARGOCONNECT JULY 2024
