The first business session of CargoNXT featured industry experts discussing AI’s transformative potential. Topics included automation, blockchain, and workforce skill development, focussing on how technology reshapes logistics operations, fleet management, and compliance systems.
The CargoNXT conference kicked off its first business session, titled “Logistics Revolution: Embracing Automation and Artificial Intelligence,” delving into the dynamic shifts AI and automation are bringing to the logistics industry. Moderated by Animesh Gupta, Regional Account Manager, Manufacturing (Europe & Asia), Goldratt Research Labs USA, the session brought together a distinguished panel of industry leaders featuring Manish Soin, Senior Vice President, Export Control & Customs, Asia Pacific, Siemens Healthineers; Harsh Gupta, General Manager, Kale Logistics Solutions; Satish Lakkaraju, Chief Executive Officer, NexGen Logistics; Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO, MyLogistics Gurukul; Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO, Softlink Global; and Eshaan Khullar, Associate Vice President, Skye Air Mobility.
Legal expertise, AI, and logistics: A future-driven perspective
“Legal expertise is becoming crucial in logistics, especially when it comes to contract management and education. The global role of supply chain management has skyrocketed in the last 8–9 years, and I see it dominating for the next two decades. I recently had a conversation with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, and we talked about the challenges of reliability in railways. Despite all the discussions, reliability remains a tough issue. “Back in my days at Castrol India, I worked on their early ERP system. That experience showed me how tech can really push logistics forward. Now, with AI, around 65-75 percent of processes in the supply chain can be automated. But, in critical situations like the Suez Canal blockage, human intervention is non-negotiable. To mitigate risks, we should consider a land corridor from Germany to Turkey as a viable logistics route.”
Skilling for the future: Automation in logistics
Sometimes I feel a little technically challenged, but I make it a point to stay up-to-date.
“In logistics, it’s not just about being future-ready anymore; it’s about staying continuously relevant. The industry is evolving at lightning speed, and that means we need to acquire new skills and bring in fresh talent to keep up. Logistics used to be seen as a blue-collar job, mostly linked to transportation and trucking. But today, it’s a highly specialised field. With the rise of automation, we need advanced skills to navigate this new terrain. It’s crucial that we skill our new entrants properly, making sure they’re 60–70 percent job-ready, especially when it comes to automation’s impact on roles. At first, I faced a lot of disinterest from students when I talked about logistics. But when I explained how specialised the industry has become and highlighted the importance of automation and IT, the tables turned. Suddenly, 70-80 percent of students showed enthusiasm to pursue logistics. There are growing opportunities for women in logistics, especially in warehouse roles. It’s important to prepare the workforce to thrive in this technology-driven environment, particularly in freight forwarding and e-commerce. As we move forward, we need to ensure that everyone is equipped to succeed in this rapidly changing landscape.”
~ Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO, MyLogistics Gurukul
Rebranding logistics
Animesh Gupta:
“We need to rebrand logistics by replacing the term ‘logistics’ with ‘supply chain’ to better reflect its comprehensive nature. Supply chain management involves identifying goods, storage, conversion into usable materials, and shipping to end customers, both in B2B and B2C contexts. The younger generations are more familiar with the term ‘supply chain,’ and it encompasses various roles requiring both technical and commercial skills.”
Satish Lakkaraju:
“The fast-paced life of freight forwarding highlights a significant gap in AI and automation adoption. Over 70 percent of the sector remains unorganised, which complicates technology integration. The slim profit margins in freight forwarding make it even more challenging, and we need better communication and community systems to drive AI adoption.”
Animesh Gupta:
“I’ve implemented a digital twin in supply chain management, and AI holds great potential in predicting operational needs. There should also be a greater focus on bulk movement in cargo logistics. Indian railways moved over 1,511 million tons of cargo last year, with 73 percent being bulk. We need to keep discussing software and AI implementation in the industry.”
Addressing challenges and innovations in logistics
Harsh Gupta reflected on earlier discussions about the complexities of GST, emphasising two key points: the challenges in logistics and the need for appealing solutions. Satish Lakkaraju raised concerns about cost-saving strategies, while Gupta noted that difficult tasks lead to lower margins, deterring new entrants to the field.
He highlighted that current logistics practitioners focus on compliance and asset management. Compliance is often seen as complicated, a sentiment echoed by Manish Soin from Siemens, and Gupta suggested AI could simplify these issues. In asset management, he pointed out that AI is enhancing route optimisation, particularly through advancements in railway voice systems.
Animesh Gupta criticised the substandard technology of FOIAS, sharing his experience with implementing GPS systems for rake management. He urged urgency among partners to meet the ambitious 2030 goal of doubling cargo transport volumes.
Amit Maheshwari discussed the rise of generative AI, sharing his project, LogiScan, aimed at structuring unstructured data in logistics. Manish highlighted the importance of timely supply deliveries in healthcare, advocating for true automation and regulatory compliance within Siemens’ systems. He noted Siemens’ progress in upgrading tools for better customer service, allowing for real-time consignment tracking.
Revolutionising logistics: The role of drone technology
There is a growing demand for rapid delivery, driven by the rise of e-commerce
“Our company initially focused on healthcare, connecting labs and managing COVID sample deliveries, but we have now shifted towards last-mile delivery solutions. There is a growing demand for rapid delivery, driven by the rise of e-commerce. It is predicted that air taxis could become operational by 2025, supported by favourable government policies.”
“In Gurgaon, our operations manage 6,000 to 7,000 orders daily, achieving six-hour delivery times, with aspirations to reduce this to just 30 minutes. The goal of simplifying logistics and alleviating manpower pressures is emphasised by integrating drones into the delivery process. Plans are in place to utilise larger drones for transporting heavier payloads. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and meet the increasing expectations of consumers in the fast-paced logistics landscape.”
Enhancing fleet management and skills development in logistics
Animesh Gupta: “What is the potential of AI in enhancing fleet management efficiency?”
Satish Lakkaraju: “In my experience at a German company with almost 10,000 robotic, voice-controlled trucks, we achieved 99.9 percent load efficiency by optimizing truck loads and routes. It puzzles me why we don’t see similar advancements globally. Standardization has significantly improved operations, yet it’s not adopted widely. I also commend South African truckers for their productivity and fair pay, which matches what managers earn.”
Animesh Gupta: “We must prioritize skill development in the supply chain sector. There’s a new university focused on this very need, and I’ve personally seen the benefits of Six Sigma projects that led to major cost savings. Logistics professionals deserve more recognition. Their projects should be tied to academic qualifications, like PhDs, and the outcomes of this conference should be documented in white papers for future use. Let’s ensure these discussions lead to actionable insights.”
Final insights on logistics and supply chain
As the session concluded, Lt. Gen. Dharam Vir Kalra (Retd.) addressed the audience, sharing his extensive background of 38 years in the army and 32 years teaching supply chain management. He acknowledged the ongoing confusion between “logistics” and “supply chain management,” noting that logistics has been a core military concept for over 150 years, covering all facets from design to delivery.
Lt. Gen. Kalra urged attendees to reevaluate the definitions of logistics, supply chain, and value chain, emphasising their nuances to fully utilise the knowledge available in the field. He expressed enthusiasm for emerging technologies like AI, RFID, and blockchain, which could enhance supply chain operations.
Approaching his 90th birthday, Kalra revealed his current pursuit of a PhD focused on assessing supply chains in war zones, particularly using the Ukraine-Russia conflict as a case study. He advocated for knowledge sharing within the profession to elevate the entire logistics community. The audience expressed deep appreciation for his insights and acknowledged his accolades, including the Param Vashishth Seva Medal and the Ati Vashishth Seva Medal.
In conclusion, the session not only highlighted the evolving landscape of logistics and supply chain management but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continued education within the industry for future success.
