Caroz has a leading position within the logistics world when it comes to control tower and TMS solutions. Now technological developments are moving fast, companies within this sector cannot escape opening their eyes to artificial intelligence. "In my opinion, you can no longer avoid it," Bas Schoone, COO at Caroz in Venlo, informed. "Who is not working on it now, will soon be behind the times."
Logistics organisations are seeing their original work change. A Having a good insight into one's 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 constantly implement improvements to make the supply chain function optimally.
Career
It was a boyhood dream of Schoone to become a pilot. "Unfortunately, I am colour-blind," he now looks back on that phase with a thrifty smile. Ultimately, 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. The 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. Me said to my wife: this is the first time in my career that I have nothing to say about a company. Ha ha, that actually says it all." He sees making the entire logistics chain transparent with the help of a control tower as a challenging task. "I deal with all aspects and different clients in my work. The Logistics world is hugely dynamic, there are constant changes and it is never boring. We as Caroz in doing so, are mainly focused on companies in retail, construction, packaging, and food, but can unburden any industry with our services and products."
AI partner
A suitable partner with knowledge of artificial intelligence and the logistics sector was found by Caroz after thorough research. "We been there a number of times and the feeling was just right. She can think and talk about our subject matter and train their own staff weekly on recent developments in AI. We were looking for a sparring partner who thinks and advises. She are the best choice for us."
'AI is going to do more and more things manage for a company, but regular labour will always be needed'
Change process
According to Schoone, Caroz's customers were increasingly asking 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 business for a company, but regular labour will always be needed." But there is more or more to come, the COO now knows from experience. "It is not merely about applying or using AI, you have to deploy it in the right way as a company. The is our job to really bring customers into this flow of developments. The requires a different way of working and thinking, which everyone in an organisation has to get used to. That applies to us within Caroz, but also to our customers. The is a process of change. Just as was the introduction of the PC and mobile phone. However, these developments are moving even faster."
Rapid development
From experience, Schoone now knows that developments in the field of AI are moving extremely fast. "Every month brings better versions of AI tools. I myself am slowly growing into it. Take Chat GPT. Your gets very specific answers as a user, it works 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. Who not participating, however, is 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, therefore, with Artificial Intelligence . That 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."
'As Caroz, we try to be at the forefront when it comes to the control tower and our transport management system'
Becoming the best
Whereas young people, thanks in part to education, are growing up with the use of AI, 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," he says. The is 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. "Via these channels we put out assignments for students. And they organise workshops on topics including AI and networking events. A ideal way to learn and experience how other companies are dealing with 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. The is a movement that is rapidly evolving. "You needs to change with the times as a company, so it is important to develop an appropriate vision. Look at a tool like Chat GPT. There, we are already dealing with version 5.0. How it will look like for me as a consumer, but certainly as COO of this company, in a year's time? Say it but. Also control tower developments are not standing still. By embracing AI now, we can stay at the forefront."
