As AI keeps its place on top of innovative solutions, our team wondered how it could benefit human workers, instead of substituting the workforce. Industry professionals have long recognized the value of human interactions, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, as technology continues to advance, the debate over the opportunities and threats posed by AI intensifies.
If we look at AI and humans from a collaborative point of view, it’s important to look at the skills that differentiate them and make each unique. For example, Gen AI systems can process and analyze enormous volumes of data, spot patterns, and produce insights. Still, human judgment, ethics, and contextual awareness are what direct these behaviors in the right way. With such an interaction, any problem is nothing more than a challenge.
So let us look at three ideas of the collaboration between AI and the human race.
Customer service and communication
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine customer inquiries, such as tracking shipments and providing order updates, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues and personalized interactions. Humans bring empathy and emotional intelligence to customer interactions, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Data analysis and decision-making
As it was mentioned before, AI excels at processing vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends. By leveraging AI analytics, logistics professionals can make informed decisions regarding inventory levels, demand forecasting, and resource allocation. And that’s when the human workers jump in, interpreting AI-generated insights and applying them strategically within the context of the business.
Risk management and compliance
As AI algorithms analyze both historical data and current events, they can pinpoint potential risks within the supply chain. These risks can range from delays and disruptions to compliance issues with regulatory standards. While AI excels at detecting these risks, human experts are indispensable in assessing their severity and devising effective contingency plans. These experts bring a depth of knowledge and experience to the table, allowing them to anticipate and mitigate risks in a way that AI alone cannot. Moreover, human expertise is essential for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and standards.
And what we are all here for…
Our team has found a real-life example of how AI can benefit communication and connection among workers. The recent Tenstreet User Conference held in Las Vegas served as a microcosm of this ongoing discussion. The event, now in its 6th year, provided a platform for industry education, unveiling new features, and fostering relationships with customers.
It was there that Tenstreet unveiled new features aimed at upgrading the connection between carriers and drivers. Central to these developments is the integration of generative AI technologies, designed to streamline communication and empower both parties.
By asking AI to handle routine tasks such as answering FAQs, carriers can allocate human resources to more meaningful interactions. According to Tim Crawford, the goal is not to replace human interaction but to improve it.
"We wanted the technology to be like an escalator," Crawford explained. "Escalators never really break; they just turn into stairs," highlighting the role of AI as a facilitator rather than a barrier to human connection.
Drivers are drawn to carriers that value personal connections. In a time of rapid digitalization, being human stands out among automation. Successful carriers understand this and use technology to strengthen relationships, not weaken them.
As AI continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of its role in society. Cooperation and balance hold the key to new possibilities, especially in the logistics industry where human touch remains important. By considering AI as a tool for empowerment rather than displacement, we can move towards a future where the sky is the limit.