AI‑Powered Supply Chains: From Forecasting to Last‑Mile Delivery

Modern supply chains have reached a level of complexity that can no longer be effectively managed using spreadsheets and intuition alone. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the core engine that enables organizations to predict, optimize, and orchestrate operations across the entire supply chain, from demand planning to last-mile delivery. In this context, Exaud is particularly well positioned to design and implement custom software and AI components that transform advanced analytical models into dependable, production-grade systems capable of operating in real-world environments.

Where AI adds value across the supply chain 

AI brings the biggest ROI when it is embedded into software that sits on top of existing ERPs, WMS, and TMS systems, rather than trying to replace everything at once.​

Demand forecasting 

ML models use historical sales, prices, promotions, weather, events, and web behavior to predict demand at SKU‑store or region level more accurately than rules‑based approaches.​

Inventory & replenishment 

AI adjusts safety stocks and replenishment frequency dynamically based on volatility, lead times, and service‑level targets, helping reduce stockouts and overstock.​

Warehouse operations 

Optimization algorithms improve slotting, picking routes, and labor planning, and, when combined with IoT data, can spot bottlenecks or equipment anomalies early.​

Transportation & last‑mile delivery 

Routing engines account for time windows, capacities, traffic, and real‑time events to cut costs and improve on‑time delivery.

AI‑driven demand forecasting and planning 

Traditional forecasting struggles with promotions, seasonality, and rapid shifts in consumer behavior. AI‑based forecasting can:​

-Ingest many more signals (store profile, online demand, marketing campaigns, local events, macro data).

-Capture non‑linear patterns and cross‑product effects (cannibalization, halo effects).

-Continuously learn as new data arrives instead of relying on annual model tuning.

For retailers and manufacturers, this leads to fewer stockouts, less excess inventory, and more reliable planning, especially when exposed through custom dashboards and APIs that integrate with existing planning tools.

Smarter inventory and omnichannel fulfillment

AI helps decide what to stock, where, and in what quantities across warehouses, stores, and micro‑fulfillment centers.​

Key capabilities include:

-Dynamic safety stocks per location based on current risk and variability.​

-Omnichannel fulfillment decisions (ship from warehouse vs. store vs. partner) that minimize cost while respecting SLAs.​

-Scenario simulations to test the impact of supplier delays, promotions, or network changes.​

A custom “control‑tower” style application built by a partner like Exaud can sit above existing ERPs/WMSs and orchestrate these decisions without forcing a full system swap.​

AI in warehouses: from slotting to real‑time sensing 

Inside warehouses and distribution centers, AI and optimization deliver measurable efficiency gains.​

Slotting optimization: place high‑velocity SKUs in faster zones, reducing walking time.

Route optimization: generate optimal pick paths for workers or robots based on layout and current congestion.

Workforce & equipment planning: predict workload by hour/day and align shifts and equipment usage accordingly.

When combined with IoT and embedded systems (handheld scanners, conveyor sensors, AGVs, temperature and vibration sensors), AI can also detect anomalies and trigger preventative actions before failures occur. Exaud’s experience in embedded software and IoT makes it a strong fit to implement this “from sensor to dashboard” stack.​

AI for transportation and last‑mile delivery 

Transportation and last‑mile are where customers most feel the supply chain’s performance. AI can significantly improve both cost and experience.​
 

Route & load optimization

Algorithms build routes that respect time windows, capacity, driver/legal constraints, and live traffic, lowering distance traveled and failed attempts.​

Dynamic dispatching

When orders change, vehicles break down, or delays occur, AI engines can re‑optimize assignments in near‑real time.​

Accurate ETAs & notifications

Models trained on historical and real‑time data provide more reliable ETAs and proactive alerts, improving satisfaction and reducing WISMO (“where is my order?”) contacts.​
 

These capabilities can be surfaced through custom web portals, driver apps, and APIs that connect to existing TMS platforms, an area where Exaud’s custom mobile and backend development adds clear value.​

A pragmatic roadmap: how to start with AI‑powered supply chains

Most retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers in Europe and North America cannot afford multi‑year “big bang” transformations. A realistic approach is to start with focused pilots:​

1 Choose one high‑impact use case

Example: better demand forecasting for one category, or last‑mile optimization in one city.

2 Define clear success metrics

Stockouts, on‑time delivery, cost per order, inventory turnover, or picking productivity.

3 Integrate, don’t rip and replace

Connect AI models to existing ERPs/WMS/TMS via APIs and lightweight middleware instead of trying to rebuild everything.

4 Iterate and scale gradually

Once the pilot delivers ROI, expand to more regions, products, or depots using the same architectural patterns.

A custom software and AI partner like Exaud can own this full cycle, from data integration and model development to UX and long‑term maintenance, while respecting EU data‑sovereignty, privacy, and sector‑specific regulations.

Ready to explore AI for your supply chain? 

AI‑powered forecasting, inventory optimization, and last‑mile delivery do not have to be “all or nothing” projects. The fastest wins often come from small, well‑designed pilots that plug into the systems you already use and prove value in weeks, not years.
 

If you are leading a retail, manufacturing or logistics operation and want to see what AI could do for your network, Exaud can help you:

-Identify high‑impact use cases tailored to your data and constraints

-Design and build custom AI solutions that integrate with your existing ERP, WMS and TMS

-Move from a first pilot to a scalable, secure platform that supports future growth

Get in touch with Exaud’s team to discuss your supply chain challenges and explore what a focused, AI‑powered roadmap could look like for your business.