Despite being traditionally slow to adopt new technologies, the shipping and logistics industry is experiencing disruptive innovation. A confluence of factors, including digital freight brokerages and marketplaces, real-time tracking, and robotics and autonomous vehicles, is driving a pervasive transformation. However, many organizations still rely on outdated legacy systems that hinder the seamless integration and automation of back-end, middle-office and front-end functions across the shipping lifecycle.

This IDC Vendor Spotlight, sponsored by WNS, underscores the significance of a fully integrated cognitive shipping automation platform. These platforms incorporate natural language processing, middleware, intelligent routing, business rules and analytics to manage customer communication, improve service quality and provide real-time operational insights. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and 

Generative AI

, such platforms handle complex processes involving extensive document flows and communication channels.

The paper mentions WNS Malkom, an enterprise-grade cognitive shipping and automation platform, as an illustration. It highlights how Malkom’s modular structure, low-code / no-code technology stack and integration capabilities enable automation across diverse transportation segments, including freight forwarding, 4PL, trucking and air express.