The Friday Five: Automation, AI and supply chain disruption make headlines

‍UPS said automated facilities will help sort almost 80 percent of its packages this year [Business Insider]

UPS is investing in tech – and it’s paying off. The carrier currently processes 70 percent of its packages in automated facilities and expects that number to reach nearly 80 percent in 2019 through opening 18 more automated hubs. The shipping giant has reported 25–35 percent higher efficiencies as a result. Check out how digitization has helped UPS perform, especially in delivering a record number of packages in the 2018 holiday season. Business Insider shares more.
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To unleash the power of AI, focus on core business needs – and knowledge workers [Forbes]

The driving force of tech adoption is productivity and performance improvements for both the business and individual workers. Forbes Insights discusses how leaders can build momentum with emerging tech, ensure all AI initiatives focus on specific organizational needs and learn from other companies’ success stories in adoption. Whether you’re just starting or are well into your digitization journey, this article has something to take away.
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Saudi Arabia seeks investment to become logistics hub [FreightWaves]

Saudi Arabia is raising $427 billion in private sector investments and will allocate $36 billion for logistics infrastructure. The funding will be used to develop Saudi Arabia as a gateway for the trade supply chains of Africa, Asia and Europe. The country's prime location makes it a pivotal point in world trade –12 percent of the world’s containerized trade passed through the Red Sea in 2015 alone. FreightWaves shares more on Saudi Arabia’s plan to capitalize on regional supply chains and how this development will help improve key sectors of its logistics economy.
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Deloitte industrial manufacturing outlook tracks digitalization’s steady march [Modern Materials Handling]

The industrial manufacturing industry is in a unique position in the coming year, according to Deloitte. Financial performance may be climbing, but the industry faces trade tensions that are causing uncertainty, talent shortages and supply and demand issues. Adoption of digital technologies is also transforming the industry and will determine how successfully companies can address these new complexities. Read more about Deloitte’s findings in Modern Materials Handling’s article. 
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One more product of 3D printing: supply chain disruption [Supply Chain Dive]

Industrial-grade 3D printing is disrupting production, moving the process closer to the point of use. This inevitably impacts the supply chain and changes relationships among suppliers, customers and transportation carriers. Companies need to understand how to make the best use of the tech and navigate the logistical changes likely to come as 3D printing becomes more pervasive. Learn how large companies have embraced 3D printing and how the tech will continue to shape new business models from Supply Chain Dive.

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