augusti 13, 2025
Uppdaterad den: september 1, 2025
4 min läsning
Using AI for supply chain optimisation is an exciting prospect. Large companies are increasingly adopting this technology to transform their supply chain strategies.
Amazon is a longstanding pioneer in digital innovation, especially AI. Options for same-day and next-day delivery were not invented by the e-commerce giant. However, by using state-of-the-art AI and data analytics, it made these services popular.
Amazon has integrated AI into its supply chain management. This allows the company to anticipate customer demand, make real-time inventory adjustments, and optimise delivery routes. It is hardly surprising that Amazon's supply chain is regarded as one of the most responsive and efficient globally.
Walmart has strategically positioned AI at the heart of its supply chain strategy. The retail titan has incorporated AI across its supply chain to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. By accurately predicting product demand and efficiently managing warehouse inventory, Walmart has generated significant cost savings while increasing responsiveness.
DHL is a global logistics leader. They employs AI to optimise vehicle routes and lower fuel consumption. This helps minimise supply chain disruptions and reduce their carbon footprint.
Similarly, Unilever uses an AI application to find alternative supply sources at short notice. Reportedly, many of those identified by the AI tool are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In other areas of manufacturing, Pfizer employs AI technology. This helps in managing its supply chain operations. As a result, life-saving medications are available in a timely manner.
The iconic furniture brand IKEA has also developed an AI-based demand forecasting tool. This tool uses both historical and real-time data to provide accurate forecasts.
Likewise, automotive powerhouses including Ford, Toyota, Honda and Tesla, are all using AI-based algorithms. This to analyse network data to help predict supply chain disruptions and enhance supply chain optimisation.
Implementing AI into your supply chain strategy offers numerous benefits:
Actionable insights – Analyses both historical and real-time information for informed, data-driven decision-making.
Automation of repetitive tasks – Reduces errors and boosts productivity by streamlining manual processes.
Cost savings – Achieved through efficiency gains, streamlined processes and predictive capabilities.
Digitalisation – Creates a paperless supply chain, streamlining documentation processes and reducing administrative complexities.
End-to-end visibility and traceability – Ensures complete transparency across the supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to disposal or recovery.
Improved fleet management – Optimises delivery routes to minimise transport costs and environmental impact, aligning with sustainability goals.
Intelligent warehouse management – Utilises AI-powered automation to improve efficiency and order accuracy.
Inventory and demand management – Optimises stock levels and ensures products are available when needed.
Operational efficiencies – Reduces delays and accelerates delivery across the supply chain.
Predictive analysis – Anticipates future trends and potential issues, allowing for informed decision-making and planning.
Real-time inventory control –Ensures products are available when needed, reducing excess stockholding and shortages.
Risk reduction – Identifies and mitigates potential risks in real-time, minimising disruption and boosting resilience.
Large multinationals are at the forefront of using AI. They are effectively enhancing supply chain management through this technology. Research indicates that many others are likely to follow this trend. Currently, one in two companies is actively pursuing the implementation of AI in their supply chain strategy.
Moreover, two in three anticipate AI technologies having a substantial impact on their supply chain strategy within the next two years [10].
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