Chain Reaction: Aaron Geiger of Ortec on Using AI to Boost Efficiency and Cut Costs

Company Overview - Ortec is a leading provider of advanced analytics and optimization solutions, focused on enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes for organizations [2] Industry Focus - Ortec primarily serves industries such as food and beverage, retail, energy, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics [3] Supply Chain Insights - The food service distribution industry is highlighted as having valuable lessons for the fashion industry in improving supply chain logistics, particularly in managing perishable goods and fluctuating demand [4] - Proactive strategies like AI-driven route optimization and zone engineering can help the fashion industry enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency [4] Immediate Improvements for Brands and Retailers - Brands and retailers can improve logistics by investing in advanced route optimization software to reduce empty miles and fuel consumption, and by implementing real-time visibility tools for better tracking [5] - A shift from manual planning and outdated spreadsheets to automated, data-driven decision-making is recommended to eliminate inefficiencies [5] - Closer collaboration with carriers through shared platforms can help align expectations and reduce delays [5] Underappreciated Areas in Logistics - AI-driven zone planning and intelligent delivery network design are identified as areas that deserve more industry attention, as they are crucial for managing complex urban delivery environments and fluctuating demand [6] - Many companies still rely on static zoning, which leads to imbalances in workload and higher costs, indicating a need for greater adoption of dynamic analytics [6]