AI Can Design the Solution. But Is It the Right Solution?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming more powerful and capable of analysing complex logistics problems. It can process large amounts of information, evaluate alternatives and produce sophisticated warehouse solutions.

But producing a solution and validating a solution are two different things.

The important questions remain:

• Has the data been validated?

• Have the right questions been asked?

• Are the assumptions correct?

• Does the proposed solution reflect the actual operation?

A logistics solution must ultimately deliver the client's objectives for efficiency, productivity, return on investment and practicality.

It must also work within the realities of the operation — including process flows, daily demand, peak demand, building constraints, equipment, people, systems and implementation risks.

This is where the logistics consultant continues to play an important role.

The consultant's responsibility is not simply to accept an AI-generated recommendation. It is to challenge the assumptions, validate the information and assess whether the proposed solution is appropriate for the client's actual requirements and operating environment.

No matter how powerful AI becomes, a recommendation still needs to be considered in its proper context and tested against the realities of the business.

AI is here to stay, and its capabilities will continue to develop.

But that does not eliminate the need for professional judgement.

AI can produce an answer. The logistics consultant helps determine whether it is the right answer for the business.

After all, a car is a car.

But is it the right car for the job?