The machine learning behind Autonomous Dispatching is guided by parameters provided to the tool and the nature of your business . Critical factors that influence the fundamentals of the driver assignments can include :
• The nature of drivers ’ vehicles
• Available drivers
• Driver skill sets
• Time windows and grace periods
• Location service times
• Driver work schedules
• The nature of the delivery
• Address for pickup and delivery
• The nature of the package ( s )
• Temperature requirements
• Traffic patterns
• Road conditions
• Zone restrictions
• Directionality of the driver and the shipment ’ s origination and destination
• Rate cards .
Imagine thoroughly considering these options every single time for every shipment for every driver every day . A . I . is not only thinking about who has the largest vehicle , who may be closest to the pickup site , or who has the lightest itinerary for the day . It is thinking about all factors all at once and making the most efficient choice in seconds .
“ With every new shipment , the technology is taking the considerations and evaluating them over and over again , learning the best patterns and drivers for the optimal outcome . The more information the A . I . has to work with , the better solution it can provide to deliver the best results ,” explains Cocchia-Barbaree .
What Does Automation Mean for the Industry
Technology is always changing but in ways to improve how we do business .
“ Advancements like Autonomous Dispatch are the path to consistency in your delivery process . The technology is not biased and follows the data and parameters you provide to it to always deliver optimal choices . Optimal choices mean on-time deliveries and reduced costs keeping your clients and drivers happy and keeping your business running smoothly ,” adds Agarwal .
Automation does not take the place of customer service or the dispatch experience . It allows you to fine-tune those facets of your business . By giving your dispatchers the right toolkit , error rates are reduced , dispatcher efficiency is increased , and you can focus on key cost-saving strategies for your business .
Technology as a Strategy for the Future
The need for efficiency and lean budgets is crucial to many shippers and carriers ’ operational and financial goals . Under the woes of economic uncertainty and rising prices , managing costs and improving delivery performance will be a fundamental way of business .
“ The market is shifting . The influx in shipment volume that came with COVID over the last few years is dwindling , and changes in the economy and inflation affect volumes as well . Future-proofing yourself with technologically-sound business strategies and tools can help operators get ahead of the curve ,” states Agarwal .
The Way Forward
Historically , technology has paved the way for improved productivity and cost management across the supply chain . While automation has taken other industries by storm , its introduction into the complex last-mile arena is a fresh new approach to streamlining operations and reducing costs during an economically challenging time . CLDA
spring 2023 I customized logistics & delivery Magazine 25