Manhattan Associates is poised to reshape the landscape of supply chain and logistics management with its recent announcement regarding the launch of AI agents. At its annual conference Momentum, the company unveiled plans to introduce specialised agents designed to manage various operational tasks, such as optimising labour, inventory research, and data parsing. This strategic move reinforces the growing trend of Agentic AI, where autonomous agents perform functions that typically require human intervention, thereby increasing efficiency across businesses.
The agents will leverage the vast amounts of data clients already store within Manhattan’s systems, enabling real-time decision-making and adjustments. As Sanjeev Siotia, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, noted, the introduction of the Agent Foundry program will empower clients to create custom agents tailored to their specific needs, significantly reducing time-to-value and enhancing scalability. “Agentic AI isn’t just another feature; it’s a transformative innovation capability tailored to redefine the future of supply chain commerce,” Siotia stated. This strategy aligns with a larger movement within the industry, as companies like SAP also prepare to deploy a range of autonomous agents by the end of the year.
Salesforce’s recent acquisition of Informatica for $8 billion further underlines the industry’s prioritisation of AI technologies. This monumental purchase, anticipated to complete by early 2027, aims to strengthen Salesforce’s data management capabilities which are critical for developing AI agents. The integration of Informatica’s sophisticated data catalog and governance features is expected to enhance Salesforce’s Agentforce platform, allowing for the creation of autonomous agents capable of understanding data in a nuanced manner. Steve Fisher, Salesforce’s President and Chief Technology Officer, emphasised the necessity for AI agents to have a comprehensive grasp of data, stating that such clarity will facilitate reliable, AI-driven decisions across various business sectors.
Meanwhile, innovation in last-mile delivery is taking shape through a pilot collaboration between Veho and Rivr, which aims to enhance delivery efficiency using AI-powered robots. In Austin, Texas, delivery robots will accompany human drivers, allowing for simultaneous delivery of multiple parcels. With the rising consumer demand for prompt delivery services, as highlighted by Rivr’s CEO Marko Bjelonic, this partnership seeks to improve logistics while maintaining the human touch essential for customer satisfaction.
Amidst these developments, Pallet, a startup focused on automating logistics workflows, successfully closed a $27 million Series B funding round. This influx of capital aims to bolster the company’s capabilities in developing AI agents that undertake repetitive manual tasks—significantly increasing the pace of logistics operations. As Pallet’s founder Sushanth Raman discussed, the demand for such technology has surged due to fluctuations in trade policies and market dynamics, demonstrating the pressing need for efficient supply chain solutions.
Investors are recognising the potential of applied AI in logistics as well. Marc Bhargava, managing director at General Catalyst, noted that companies like Pallet are positioned to capture substantial market opportunities by addressing high-friction issues prevalent in the industry. This trend signals a promising direction for both established players and new entrants in the logistics and supply chain sector as they leverage AI to achieve operational excellence and competitive advantage.
As these advancements unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that the integration of AI technologies is not simply an option but a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Companies that effectively harness these innovations could redefine operational standards and set new benchmarks for efficiency and customer service in logistics and beyond.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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