In supply chain headlines
- UK retail sales decline more than expected in October. Consumers purchased fewer apparel and food items than was forecasted last month, reports Financial Times.
- Amazon promises no new fulfilment fees for 2025. The ecommerce marketplace will also lower its fees for large and bulky inbound placement services, writes Supply Chain Dive.
- Maersk announces all-women-operated factory in Chennai. The logistics giant recently announced they will be transforming one of their warehouses into an all-women operation with the goal of "challenging the status quo and setting new standards in the logistics industry".
Top 5 AI use cases in warehousing
Artificial Intelligence has been around since the early 1950s, ever since Alan Turing first proposed a machine intelligence test called The Imitation Game. AI's popularity, however, has spiked in recent years with the advancement of new machine-learning technologies – many of which can be used to improve warehouse efficiency. Here are 5 top use cases.
1. Demand forecasting and inventory optimisation
AI tools like Unleashed's Advanced Inventory Manager can analyse historical sales and seasonality trends to predict consumer demand and inventory needs to help you prepare for the future without overstocking.
2. Dynamic slotting
Robust slotting models can be created using AI technology to predict optimal placement of your products around the warehouse, boosting efficiency and cost savings.
3. Order tracking automation
AI chatbots help deliver timely updates to warehouse teams and customers regarding the status of orders, improving fulfilment transparency and reducing admin time on the warehousing side.
4. Quality control optimisation
AI-powered cameras such as IBM's Visual Inspection Edge can capture images of items passing through the production line, analyse data through predefined algorithms, and detect defects or irregularities with minimal human input.
5. Robotic warehouse systems
Technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) help boost productivity, order accuracy, and warehouse safety by leveraging the power of AI to navigate warehouse aisles and perform tasks like order picking, sorting, and packing.
Building a healthy, organic supply chain – meet Tiago Pita
This week we spoke with Tiago Pita, Brand Director at Whole Food Earth – a UK-based company dedicated to providing natural and organic foods that promote healthier living. Tiago has a lot of experience managing the supply chain at Whole Food Earth, and generously shared with us some of his biggest insights.
In your own words, what is Whole Food Earth all about?
"Our goal is to make it easier for people to access clean, sustainable food options that are both good for them and good for the planet. We’re not just another food retailer; we’re focused on ethical sourcing and quality, ensuring that our customers get the best possible products while supporting sustainable practices."
What strategies have helped you maintain a healthy supply chain?
"One of the most effective tactics we’ve implemented at Whole Food Earth is streamlining our supply chain to be as transparent and sustainable as possible. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure they meet our strict quality and ethical standards. We’ve also invested in technology to help us better predict demand, so we can keep our inventory lean without sacrificing product availability."
Can you share one unique approach you've taken to growing the business?
"We focus heavily on customer education through our digital platforms, helping them understand where their food comes from and the benefits of organic options. This combination of operational efficiency and customer engagement has been key to our growth."
What have been the biggest challenges for Whole Food Earth from a business perspective?
"Balancing growth with sustainability. As demand for natural and organic products grows, so does the pressure on our supply chain. We’ve had to constantly assess our suppliers and logistics to ensure they align with our values, especially when scaling operations. Another challenge has been navigating the unpredictability of global supply chains, particularly during times of disruption, like the pandemic. Sourcing consistent, high-quality products while keeping costs manageable has been a delicate balancing act."
What's helped you overcome these challenges?
"Embracing technology and building strong relationships with our suppliers. Tools like demand forecasting software and real-time inventory management have been game-changers for us. They allow us to be proactive rather than reactive, which is crucial in managing a complex supply chain. We’ve also focused on building a more flexible logistics network, partnering with multiple suppliers and distributors to ensure we’re not overly reliant on any single source."
What's your best tip for maintaining sufficient cash flow during the company's growth?
"I’d say keeping a close eye on inventory levels is key. Avoid overstocking, but make sure you have enough to meet demand, there’s a fine line there. Inventory management should always be data-driven. Use forecasting tools and real-time monitoring to prevent both overstock and stockouts."
Are there any business-related resources you can recommend to our readers?
"Definitely! I’m a big fan of the Masters of Scale podcast as it’s full of great stories from business leaders who’ve successfully scaled their companies. For books, I’d recommend The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, which is a must-read for anyone navigating growth and innovation. I also keep up with the Supply Chain Dive newsletter, which is excellent for staying updated on the latest trends and challenges in supply chain management."
On the lighter side...
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