You'll find a whole host of useful articles, features and interviews on our NIG News page. We aim to offer useful business updates, topical thought leadership and much more. We hope you find the content offers real value.
28 November 2019
As technology advances, wholesalers can use robotics and AI to make their operations smarter and more efficient. Robots are commonly used within distribution centres, for example, Amazon’s Manchester warehouse makes use of a fleet or robots to help move shelves around.
AI can also help with demand forecasting. Companies can use it to analyse huge volumes of data, spot trends and predict problems. It is also increasingly helpful in terms of logistics, with many companies using AI to optimise delivery routes and choose the most appropriate carriers.
While using these technologies can bring great benefits to wholesale businesses, they are not without their challenges. They can be very pricey to implement and also require staff to be trained in how to use them effectively.
Autonomous delivery
This year saw autonomous delivery methods hitting the roads, with companies like Amazon, Co-Op and FedEx trialling using robots for short-range deliveries[v].
Currently the focus is on the final phase of a product’s delivery journey, with consulting firm McKinsey & Company anticipating that by 2025 some 85% of last-mile deliveries will be carried by autonomous vehicles. However, with shorter delivery times and lower costs a priority for wholesalers, it’s likely many will be monitoring developments in autonomous vehicle technology.
Having the right insurance in place can help offer wholesale businesses peace of mind as they navigate the uncertain waters of the next 12 months. Get in touch with your NIG sales contact to find out more about products for your wholesale clients.
[i] https://www.ogl.co.uk/5-challenges-for-distributors-after-brexit
[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/28/uk-retail-stockpiling-reaches-record-levels-on-back-of-brexit-concerns
[iii] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49179234
[iv] https://www.poundsterlinglive.com/eurusd/11961-euro-dollar-seen-heading-lower-as-german-domestic-economy-cracks-and-inflation-slides
[v] https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/27/18242834/delivery-robot-fedex-sameday-bot-autonomous-trials