AIT Worldwide Logistics Launches AI and Data Science Team to Drive Innovation

Published: Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Global supply chain solutions leader, AIT Worldwide Logistics, has announced the formation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) and data science team, a strategic move aimed at amplifying the company’s investment in data and setting the stage for future implementation of next-generation AI tools.

The new department, led by Patrick Chew, who has been appointed as vice president of AI and data science, is designed to further enhance AIT’s customer interface and data-driven operations.

“AIT is continually looking towards the future,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vaughn Moore. “With the establishment of the AI and data science team, the company is prepared to capitalize on generative AI, natural language processing, machine learning, large language models, and other advancing technologies.”

Patrick Chew, who brings over 25 years of experience in improving business intelligence, analytics, and data enablement for Fortune 500 companies, joined AIT in January 2024. Before AIT, he led Caterpillar’s enterprise data governance office. “Data is a common denominator that informs and impacts every aspect of the business,” said Keith Tholan, President and Chief Operating Officer of AIT. “Our investment in data enablement signals that data is an integral pillar of the organization, with the new AI and data science team working to enable a new era of dramatic growth for the company.”

The newly formed AI and data science group at AIT is comprised of three key teams:

  • Data Enablement: Focused on reorganizing existing data into next-gen-compatible assets, building new levels of trust with stakeholders through increased efficiency and improved solutions.
  • AI Governance and Data Science: Tasked with developing new AI business features, emphasizing heightened accuracy and privacy protections as the technology evolves.
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics: Responsible for centralized reporting and visualization across the organization.

Chew highlighted the ambitious goals of the initiative, stating, “Treating data as an asset involves rigorous efforts to reorganize and harness millions of inputs, which will be applied in meaningful ways to enhance business intelligence, boost efficiency, and spur innovation.” He added, “Ambitiously raising the bar for data quality and governance ultimately improves outcomes for stakeholders as we continue to earn our customers’ trust.”

“Our AI and data science initiative will further differentiate AIT with shippers and investors when compared to others in the freight forwarding industry,” Chew concluded.