Cargo Chat: AI solution optimizes supply chain ops

AI language recognition is changing the way supply chain operators do business. Tel Aviv, Israel-based startup aiOla raised $25 million in series A funding in January 2023 with New Era Capital Partners as its lead investor and has since gained recognition through proof-of-concept trials with major shippers and forwarders. The aiOla technologycan filter speech in more than 100 languages to collect relevant data and reduce manual processes by 90%, according to the company. [caption id="attachment_57141860" align="alignright" width="412"] (Courtesy/aiOla)[/caption] Using natural language understanding and automatic speech recognition, theplatform filters speech looking for industry-specific jargon, aiOla co-founder and Chief Executive Amir Haramaty told Air Cargo Next . Haramaty discussed how the solution increases production, visibility and efficiency in supply chain logistics. What follows is an edited version of the conversation. Air Cargo Next: How are speech and AI helping efficiency in logistics ? Amir Haramaty : We started here [with speech collection AI] because we realized most data is not captured [accurately]. But that's the first thing we realized. The second part, we realized speech is the biggest challenge. So, we [wanted to] solve the speech component that unlocks the data that now unlocks the action that unlocks the impact. So that's the chain reaction from speech to data to action to impact that now, because we unlock all this unique raw material that previously was uncaptured, [we can] structure our ability to predict, our ability to analyze, our ability to get insights and intelligence — and our learning is much greater. And not only can -smart data scientists [utilize the data and technology ], but anyone can. I don't care if they graduate from high school or middle school, I don't care if they know how to use the phone. If they know how to speak, they can use and benefit from this. And I love that because that's democratic at every operational level. Air Cargo Next : Are companies hesitant to use this kind of technology when they already have working systems in place? AH : I think it took me too long to recognize the fact that most people in the world don't like to be disrupted. And that's when we started with [the idea that] we need to eat a little bit more humble pie and actually respect the processes that people are doing. So rather than disrupting, I like to enhance or augment, meaning I respect what they already have in place. They've been doing that for many, many years, I'm never going to learn what they already forgot about their own business. That's a fact. And I have to recognize it and acknowledge it. So going back to your point, one, we are digitizing and automating one process at a time, first of all. So basically, we come in a non-threatening approach. I'm here to help to do it safer, smarter, more efficient, etc. Second, I understand there's a lot of moving parts. So [a shipper] might already have a CRM in place, or you already have an ERP in place, or you have a back-end system in place to a simple API, I can integrate to whatever you have in place. At the end of the day, we can accommodate the current status and future status and a shift in the middle. So we are seamlessly connecting to any digitalization motion that's already in place, and to any existing software backend system that [a client] is already using. Air Cargo Next : How do you balance AI technology with human processes and trust? AH : The key element is trust. I trust what I see, I trust what I can explain. So the key element here is observation. That you can see everything. And I can explain and justify everything. And at the end of the day, I'm not here to replace the human. I'm just here to provide better advice, a better tool for better decision-making. And I believe at the end, everything you do — this is philosophical beyond business and technology — everything you do in life, it's about decision-making and risk management. That's it. Add webinar footer Register here for Air Cargo Next ’s free webinar, “The Role of Drones in the Future of Air Cargo,” on Tuesday, March 26, at 11 a.m. ET

Cargo Chat: AI solution optimizes supply chain ops

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