Penske Logistics Expands AI-Powered Supply Chain Solutions with Augment Partnership
Penske Logistics is making significant strides in its commitment to adopting advanced technologies by officially implementing a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform from Augment. This decision follows a successful six-month pilot project and represents a major leap towards enhancing supply chain efficiency. The integration of this innovative technology is set to augment Penske's well-established track and trace capabilities, providing essential resources for operators to track real-time shipment statuses.
Jeff Jackson, the president of Penske Logistics, emphasized the company's dedication to executing its AI strategy, stating, "Our partnership with Augment is part of a broader initiative focused on improving the customer experience through technology. AI can offer greater convenience and clarity in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape."
During the initial rollout, Penske intends to utilize Augment's AI platform to validate the status of an estimated 600,000 loads. As a result, the company anticipates a productivity increase of around 30 to 40 percent, achieved by eliminating repetitive manual tasks and streamlining communications with carrier dispatchers. This newfound efficiency will enhance operations across various stages of the supply chain, from inbound loads to final delivery.
Moreover, Augment’s platform complements Penske’s existing tools by proactively reaching out to carriers via calls, emails, or texts whenever shipment updates are unavailable. The AI seamlessly connects with carrier dispatch representatives through their chosen format, which has been well-received by the logistics community. Dynamic adaptability is also a highlight of the AI system, as it adjusts to the communication preferences of each carrier and engages human intervention when necessary to ensure accurate information flow.
Harish Abbott, Augment’s CEO, expressed gratitude for Penske’s trust in their technology, noting that this partnership signifies a deeper transformation in the logistics sector—a movement towards reimagining operational workflows rather than simply adding another tool. "By embracing this change early on, Penske is at the forefront of the next evolution in supply chain management, and we are excited to pioneer this future together," Abbott stated.
The Augment AI platform functions across the complete order-to-cash lifecycle, understanding every shipment's context while proactively resolving issues and managing tasks across various systems such as emails, phones, and transportation management systems (TMS). It seeks to minimize load interactions, reduce cycle times, and enable human operators to focus on more strategic initiatives.
As technology continues to reshape the logistics landscape, partnerships like the one between Penske Logistics and Augment illustrate the industry's commitment to leveraging AI not just to enhance efficiencies, but to innovate the entire supply chain experience. This evolution is pivotal—ensuring that companies can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment, enhancing service delivery to customers and promoting growth throughout the logistics chain.
In conclusion, Penske Logistics' collaboration with Augment marks a significant turning point in their operational strategy, setting a standard for others in the industry to follow. As they push forward with these advanced solutions, the supply chain ecosystem is bound to witness profound improvements in productivity and service delivery across the board.