Caroz embraces AI developments

This is a repost of an article from Ondernemend Venlo.

Caroz holds a leading position within the logistics world when it comes to control tower and TMS solutions. With technological developments moving fast, companies within this sector cannot escape opening their eyes to artificial intelligence. ‘According to my opinion, you can no longer avoid it,’ Bas Schoone, COO at Caroz in Venlo, informs. ‘Whoever is not working on it now will soon be running behind the facts.’

Logistics organisations see their original work changing. Having a good understanding of their own logistics network is therefore essential to maintain full control. Caroz is an experienced and reliable partner that combines the work of people, the various systems and all the data in the control tower. The professionals analyse all this data and make constant improvements to keep the supply chain functioning optimally.

Career
It was a childhood dream of Schoone’s to become a pilot. ‘Unfortunately, I am colour-blind,’ he now looks back on that phase with a thrifty smile. In the end, the choice fell on a college course in Logistics & Economics in Haarlem, specialising in air cargo. He then went on to study Economics (specialising in Marketing & Supply Chain) at the UVA in Amsterdam. It led to an internship and eventually a permanent job at TNT-Logistics. Via an intermediate step at Ewals Cargo Care, the now 51-year-old Schoone has been working at Caroz since September 2023, where he has been in post as COO since the beginning of this year. ‘This is an innovative company with a family atmosphere that suits me. That feeling was there after only three days. I said to my wife: this is the first time in my career that I have nothing to complain about a company. Ha ha, that actually says it all.’ He considers understanding the entire logistics chain with the help of a control tower a challenging task. ‘In my work, I deal with all aspects and different customers. The logistics world is hugely dynamic, there are constant changes and it is never boring. In this, we as Caroz are mainly focused on companies in retail, construction, packaging, and food but can relieve any industry with our services and products.’

‘AI is going to manage more and more things for a company, but regular workers will always be needed’

AI partner
A suitable partner with knowledge of artificial intelligence and the logistics sector was found by Caroz after thorough research. ‘We went there several times and the feeling was just right. They can think and talk with us on our matter and train their own staff weekly on recent developments in AI. We were looking for a sparring partner who thinks and advises. They are the best choice for us.’

Process of change
According to Schoone, Caroz’s customers increasingly asked for insight into the various systems. Such as reports giving an overview of where all shipments are, or to get a good idea of cost trends. ‘AI is going to manage more and more things for a company, but regular labour will always be needed,’ he said. But there is more or more to come, the COO now knows from experience. ‘It’s not purely about applying AI or purely about using it, but rather that as a company you deploy it correctly. Our job is to really bring customers into this stream of developments. It requires a different way of working and thinking that everyone in an organisation has to get used to. That applies to us within Caroz, but also to our customers. It is a process of change. Just as the introduction of the PC and mobile phone was. However, these developments are moving even faster.’

Quick development
From experience, Schoone now knows that developments in the field of AI are extremely fast. ‘Better versions of AI tools come out every month. I myself am slowly growing more and more into it. Take Chat GPT, for example. As a user, you get very specific answers. Much better than Google. Furthermore, AI is already part of everyday life. Think of the applications in your car or mobile phone. Of course, this development is partly imposed on you. However, those who do not participate are at a disadvantage. As Caroz, we try to be at the forefront within the logistics industry when it comes to the control tower and our transport management system (TMS), and now thus also with Artificial Intelligence. This is essential for optimal management of increasingly complex supply chains. Thanks to the control tower and TMS, we can make it more efficient. So companies not only reduce costs, but can focus on their core business.’

Becoming the best

Where as young people are growing up with the use of AI partly thanks to education, an older generation is more suspicious of this development. ‘It is precisely the latter group that we need to bring along and show what the possibilities are. It’s mainly about working more efficiently.’ To stay alert to developments, Caroz also works intensively with various educational institutions such as the TU in Eindhoven. In addition, the company is affiliated with the European Supply Chain Forum and Supply Chain Valley. ‘Through these channels, we put out assignments for students. And they organise workshops in areas such as AI and networking events. An ideal way to learn and experience how other companies are working on this matter. We take this development seriously and use it to remain distinctive from competitors.’

As Schoone pointed out earlier: there is no turning back when it comes to AI. It is a movement that is rapidly developing at a rapid pace. ‘You have to change with it as a company, which is why it is important to develop an appropriate vision. Look at a tool like Chat GPT. There, we are already dealing with version 5.0. What it will look like for me as a consumer, but certainly as COO of this company, in a year’s time? You name it. Control tower developments are not standing still either. By embracing AI now, we can grow with it step by step and lead the way.’