The architecture of an AI-enabled supply chain

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Need for speed: Overwhelmed at the prospect of trying to organize your data? Penske is here to help. They’ll work with you to break down data silos across your organization so you can improve visibility across supply chains to optimize performance. Start here.

Between rising costs, evolving regulations, and higher service expectations, shippers and their logistics providers are under increasing pressure to operate efficiently. So it’s no surprise that many supply chain teams are turning to artificial intelligence and machine learning to find new ways to optimize performance.

The 2026 Annual Third-Party Logistics Study found that AI is being used by 67% of shippers and 73% of 3PLs. On top of that, 80% of shippers and 81% of 3PLs are using advanced analytics at some level. These figures indicate that AI is already a major priority across the sector, even if adoption still varies widely from one organization to another.

Of course, simply adopting AI doesn’t guarantee results. AI is only as useful as the data behind it. When it can draw on large volumes of accurate, connected information, AI is poised to deliver the most value. But in many operations, data remains scattered across disconnected systems, making it difficult to get a full, real-time view.

Most organizations don’t lack data; they lack a clear way to analyze it quickly and put it to work in real time. According to PwC’s 2025 Digital Trends in Operations Survey, integration with existing systems and data issues—including availability and quality—are two of the major challenges preventing organizations from scaling AI in their operations.

That challenge is especially common in supply chain operations. Information often lives in transportation and warehouse management systems, carrier portals, spreadsheets, and email. When those systems don’t connect, managers often have to track loads, monitor inventory, and assess performance manually. By the time teams assemble the full picture, the window to act may have already passed.

The AI boom meets data reality

Connecting data across systems can be a major advantage for operations. It gives teams a clearer view and makes it easier to turn information into action. The main advantage is speed: Teams can spot potential delays earlier and respond before minor disruptions become larger problems.

Penske Logistics recently rolled out Supply Chain Insight to help companies break down data silos across their supply chain. The platform brings information from multiple sources, including non-Penske systems, into one interface. Users can monitor loads, orders, inventory, and performance metrics in real time. And crucially, both operations teams and their customers can all work from the same shared view.

When information is centralized like this, decisions can happen faster. Supply chain managers can view the full route a load takes, including all pickup and delivery stops, along with the orders tied to each stop. They can also search for an item, review order details, and track performance trends over time.

“No two operations run the same, and the way teams use data should reflect that,” said Mike Medeiros, executive vice president of operations at Penske Logistics. “With Supply Chain Insight, our customers can define the metrics that matter most to their business, set performance thresholds, and focus on areas that can drive increased efficiency and results.”

For early adopters of Supply Chain Insight, one of the most immediate benefits has been time savings. “I like Supply Chain Insight because it tells me a complete story—everything from quantity of loads and orders running and especially the late loads,” said a logistics coordinator at a food manufacturing company. “The information is very helpful to stay ahead of any potential late deliveries for the stores.”

Building a better supply chain

AI tools will continue to expand, and the companies that put them to practical use may gain an edge. Nearly all shippers (90%) cited technological capabilities as one of the most important factors when selecting a logistics provider, according to the Annual Third-Party Logistics Study.

Penske’s 2025 Transportation Leaders Survey also found that 93% of senior decision-makers in transportation and logistics believe AI will improve organizational resilience. What’s more, 91% say companies that adopt AI are better positioned for future growth.

For shippers and fleets, the near-term opportunity is clear: Organizations that connect siloed systems and organize their data now will be in a stronger position to adopt more advanced automation tools as those capabilities mature.

“Our goal with the launch and development of Supply Chain Insight is to help our customers accelerate supply chain performance,” said Jeff Jackson, president of Penske Logistics. “We plan to continue developing this platform, integrate with other systems, and drive further enhancements using AI going forward.”