Artificial intelligence has ceased to be a promise and has become a reality, profoundly transforming Brazilian logistics. Its impacts are tangible, measured in time savings, cost reduction, and improved consumer experience.
Algorithms learn on their own and quickly. They analyze variables such as traffic, delivery windows, and urgency in real-time. As a result, routes are optimized, human errors are avoided, and deliveries arrive more accurately. What used to depend on manual processes, like the elaboration of logistics proposals, can now be automated. In a few seconds, prices are adjusted, costs decrease, while efficiency increases.
In the so-called ‘last mile,’ artificial intelligence is established as a competitive advantage. Real-time tracking technologies, automatic notifications, and digital customer service make the journey lighter and more predictable for the customer, leading to increased satisfaction. Furthermore, with the cross-referencing of historical data, purchasing patterns, and seasonality, AI allows for more accurate demand forecasts, contributing to smarter inventories and reduced stockouts.
A practical example comes from a retailer in the Northern region of the country, which integrated a routing platform via API. Previously, four people were responsible for this task for six hours a day. After adopting AI, a single person can perform the same work in just 40 minutes. Cities like Manaus, Boa Vista, Rio Branco, and Porto Velho now benefit from faster and coordinated deliveries. The financial impact is also evident: up to a 20% reduction in logistics costs, without compromising, and often even enhancing, the consumer experience.
Today, smart assistants recalibrate routes in real time, assist field delivery personnel, and automatically respond to consumer inquiries. A transformation that the market not only perceives but also bets big on. In 2022, the application of AI in logistics globally reached $3 billion, with projections to reach $64 billion by 2030. In Brazil, the progress is also significant: the volume is expected to jump to $5.5 billion by 2027. According to McKinsey’s estimate, the adoption of artificial intelligence could generate up to $2 billion annually in gains for companies. And according to the World Economic Forum, 20% of global deliveries will already be automated by 2025.
Despite the advancements, it is not yet a ‘plug and play’ technology. The logistics sector faces challenges such as isolated systems, scattered data, and a culture that often resists change. The integration, cleaning, and strategic use of this data require effort, training, and a paradigm shift. But it is an inevitable movement: those who do not progress will be left behind.
The future of logistics will be shaped by an ecosystem of AI, Internet of Things, sensors, and robots, promoting more visibility, speed, security, and sustainability. And the truth is that this future has already begun. Its name is artificial intelligence.
