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AI in your logistics Control Tower: smart move or risky leap?

Simacan uses AI with common sense (and policy)

The AI hype is real. Every week, a new tool promises to “transform the future of transport and logistics.” But what does that actually mean for your operational systems? What does AI really do in a supply chain, and just as importantly, what shouldn’t it do?
At Simacan, we believe artificial intelligence can be a powerful sidekick. Not a mysterious wizard, but a smart assistant that provides insights, without taking over control. In this article, we explain exactly how we use AI in the Simacan platform, and when we choose not to.

Why AI isn’t always the answer

Let’s be clear: AI is not a magic fix. Especially in the world of transport and logistics, where accuracy, real-time reliability and transparency are key, AI also brings serious risks.
A poorly trained model can make bad predictions. Biased data leads to unfair decisions. And AI that makes autonomous choices? That’s not operational control, that’s a recipe for chaos. Add the new EU AI Act, with fines of up to 7% of annual turnover, and it’s obvious: this calls for a smart and conscious approach.

Orchestrating data across systems

Artificial intelligence may sound impressive, but without the right and correct data, it doesn’t get you very far. AI is only as good as the input it receives. When data is fragmented, outdated or simply unreliable, AI can’t do its job properly, or worse, it makes inaccurate predictions.
That’s why the first step towards an AI-ready supply chain isn’t “more AI.” Start with the basics: connected, clean and streamlined data across your entire network. Only then can AI start adding real value.

What Simacan does with AI

Let’s cut to the chase: we don’t use real-time AI in operational environments. No black box making decisions like “turn left now.” Instead, we rely on predictive models and deterministic algorithms.
Here’s how it works: We use machine learning to predict future traffic intensity based on historical data. Those predictions then feed into deterministic algorithms in the Simacan Control Tower, which calculate ETA’s in a transparent, fully explainable way. What you put in determines exactly what you get out. No surprises.
We also use generative AI, in the form of large language models (LLMs) , to automate language configuration on our platform. Think of generating new language versions, which we always review manually before going live. AI makes suggestions, but humans make the final call.

What we don’t do with AI

Autonomous AI decision-making in operations? No thanks.
We’ve made a conscious choice to use AI for insights, not decisions. Especially not in real-time production environments. These environments run on deterministic logic: systems that do exactly what you expect, as long as the inputs are clear. That kind of predictability is essential for reliability and compliance.
So no, we don’t use real-time AI in production. We use AI predictions to support, not steer, operational processes.

Why this matters, especially legally

Since 1 August 2024, the EU AI Act has been in force. It classifies AI systems based on risk, from low to high. If your organisation uses AI, you’ll often need to show how decisions are made, and prove it.
That means: no black boxes. Just explainable logic. At Simacan, we’ve been ready for this for years. Our ISO 27001 Information Security Management System includes detailed AI policies, covering ethics, privacy and safety.
From August 2025, general-purpose AI systems (GPAI), including LLMs like ChatGPT, will also be subject to new obligations. So yes, now is the time to get your AI strategy in order.

The risks of thoughtless AI in logistics

Using AI carelessly? That can backfire, fast. Think of:
  • Bad data = bad decisions. One wrong traffic or demand prediction, and you’ve got a truck in the wrong place, or customers waiting for nothing.
  • Lack of human oversight. Let AI run wild and you risk decisions nobody understands, or can explain.
  • Security issues. AI models can be hacked or infected through the supply chain.
  • Compliance risks. Fail to meet the EU AI Act? Say hello to reputation damage, lawsuits and fines.

The Simacan approach:
AI with a human touch

At Simacan, we believe in balance. Technology should support people, not replace them. We combine smart predictions with robust, explainable logic. Our innovation is human-focused and compliant by design. We use AI where it adds value, but people always stay in charge. That way, we keep your operations transparent, reliable and futureproof.
Curious to see how this works in practice? Or want to talk about making your supply chain future-ready in the AI era? Get in touch or book a free Simacan demo.
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