The partnership will use the expertise of Google Cloud in AI, ML, and data analytics to further innovate the way goods move through supply chains with greater visibility
XPO Logistics is a US-based freight transportation company. (Credit: Emiliano García-Page Sánchez/Wikimedia Commons)
XPO Logistics, an American freight transportation company, has entered into a multi-year collaboration with Google Cloud with an aim to build faster, more efficient supply chains.
The partnership will utilise the expertise of Google Cloud in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics to further innovate the manner in which goods move through supply chains with greater visibility.
XPO Logistics’ customers across the supply chain are said to be challenged by a growingly unpredictable marketplace filled with constraints, volatility, and increasing demand.
For helping its customers overcome the challenges, the freight transportation company is said to have shifted many of its key applications to Google Cloud. This has enabled the transportation services firm to leverage the scalability and availability of cloud computing.
Google Cloud said that its AI, ML, and data analytics tools help XPO Logistics quickly deliver insights to its operators. By placing AI and analytics in the hands of those with very high domain expertise, quicker decision-making and business agility are enabled, said Google Cloud.
XPO Logistics technology senior vice president Yoav Amiel said: “XPO is always looking for ways to innovate the ways goods move across the globe. Implementing the most cutting-edge technology is the best way for us to ensure that we achieve this goal.
“By working with Google Cloud’s AI/ML and data analytics capabilities, we can operate the fastest, most efficient supply chains possible.”
AI and ML tools such as Vertex AI are said to help XPO Logistics’ engineers in real-time experimentation with algorithms and in creating a pipeline for data scientists to experiment. The tools also help in enhancing and assessing new algorithms for XPO Connect’s pricing and load-matching technologies.
Apart from that, tools such as BigQuery, Looker, and VertexAI are said to be aiding the freight transportation company in streamlining network planning. This is by giving real-time updates on shipment statuses and enabling operators to take action and avoid possible shipping delays, said Google Cloud.
Google Cloud global supply chain, logistics and transportation managing director Hans Thalbauer said: “We’re bringing our innovative AI/ML and data analytics solutions to XPO, to help it transform supply chain management, ensure its deliveries are on-time, and give its customers accurate, up-to-date view on the location of their freight.
“As external factors continue to impact supply chains and create new challenges, we’re dedicated to collaborating with XPO to help the company continually improve and run operations as efficiently and sustainably as possible.”