AI pilots make productivity gains measurable

Logistics provider GXO is using artificial intelligence to connect warehouse data, planning and execution more closely. During an innovation tour in Almere, the company demonstrated applications for pick paths, wave planning and the orchestration of operational tasks.

According to GXO, early pilots of AI-powered pick-path optimisation delivered productivity gains of 5% to 8%. At one North American site, more than 90% of volume is planned through an AI agent, contributing to an initial improvement of around 10% in full-pallet picking.

These results are company data from GXO rather than an independent comparison between warehouses. They do show which outcomes can be made measurable in a pilot. In the applications described, employees retain control over operational decisions and exceptions.

Technology alone does not make a useful trial. The process needs a clear baseline, bounded decision rights and a fallback scenario in advance. Without those conditions, it remains unclear whether an improvement comes from AI, a changed workflow or a different volume mix.

What does this mean for you?

Select one bounded process and measure travel time, picks per hour, errors and exceptions before and during the pilot. Define which recommendations may be executed automatically and when an employee decides.

View the primary source: GXO

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