Palletforce launches new artificial intelligence technology Alliance Sense

Palletforce has announced the roll-out of new artificial intelligence (AI) technology across its entire distribution channel.

Alliance Sense has the ability to predict delivery issues before they happen and is the first system of its kind to be used by a transport network, the company claimed.

Building on its bespoke Alliance system, Sense uses AI technologies to build a "neural network" that learns from historical data and predicts if any consignments are at risk of service problems.

It is the latest in a line of Palletforce investments in technology this year, joining the £2m upgrade of new ePOD2 devices last month and the introduction of the Pallet Selfie – imaging technology which Palletforce claims makes it the only network able to weigh, scan and produce an instant image of every pallet moving through its central SuperHub.

Part of the EV Cargo logistics group, Palletforce collects more than 100,000 tracking events each day with every consignment made up of over 50 individual pieces of data.

The company has converted the complex technology into a simple red, amber and green indicator within its Alliance system – allowing members to quickly identify consignments which may require attention.

Read more

• Artificial intelligence will make big difference to road transport, predicts Samsara
• Spark EV uses artificial intelligence to remove electric vehicle range anxiety for fleets
• What does the AI revolution mean for transport?

Sense will continue to evolve as it adapts to changes in the network, the company explained, and as new members and customers join and the network’s database of residential deliveries expands.

Dean Hughes, Palletforce IT director, said: “The launch of Alliance Sense is another milestone for Palletforce as we become the first express network to use artificial intelligence and historical data to predict delivery performance. It’s the latest innovation this year, which has seen three major IT-led initiatives deliver a competitive advantage for our members and drive service and delivery levels for their customers.”

Michael Conroy, Palletforce chief executive, said: “Technology is increasingly becoming the critical factor driving service and quality in our sector.”