AI and logistics – a strategic partnership?

Speaker: Dominik Berbig, Professor of Logistics Operations Management at Pforzheim University

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping supply chains — but too often, companies focus only on isolated tools or single use cases. Today, there is a wide range of AI tools designed to support specific tasks e.g. within purchasing, production, or crisis management, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Numerous proof-of-concept projects and theoretical discussions demonstrate the potential benefits of these tools in their respective areas. However, when taking a closer look, it becomes clear that most approaches focus only on individual processes or isolated parts of the supply chain. What seems to be largely missing is a comprehensive, practical strategy: How can companies implement AI tools in a reasonable and ideally sustainable way - in what order, and for which use cases? Recent literature review confirms this gap. This leads us to the key question: What could a practical "hands-on guide to AI" for logistics look like, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? In our speech, we will share deeper insights from our research, present initial strategy recommendations, and outline the next steps necessary to ensure that AI becomes a real driver of value - not just a buzzword - in the logistics sector.

About the speaker:

Dominik Berbig has been Professor of Logistics Operations Management at Pforzheim University since 2021. He studied industrial engineering at the University of Karlsruhe, and then worked as a research associate at the Institute for Material Handling and Logistics (IFL) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) where he earned his doctorate on the topic of developing a comprehensive approach for choosing proper load carriers. During his time at the IFL, he led different industrial and scientific projects with renowned partners, particularly in the automotive, pharmaceutical and warehousing sector.

Prior to his appointment, Dominik Berbig worked at Robert Bosch GmbH in different areas and functions. Among others, he was project manager worldwide for leveling, as well as senior manager for warehousing, packaging and transport in the Power Tools business unit. Most recently, he managed the area Intralogistics and Material Flow as part of the project to introduce SAP S/4HANA & SAP EWM in the Mobility Solutions business unit.