Samsung SDS has announced its plans to leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain for its smart logistics platform.

The company forayed into logistics back in 2012 with the launch of Cello, its integrated logistics solution handling the complete supply chain process end-to-end. In 2016, it launched an upgraded version of Cello as a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) platform as part of its efforts to expand globally.

Samsung SDS has now announced latest upgrades to Cello, The Korea Herald reported. The company has been applying AI and blockchain technology to the logistics platform for past couple of years to enhance inventory management and international shipping procedures.

The company has successfully conducted a blockchain-based pilot project with Korean fish cake manufacturer Samjin Amook. It said that the technology helped in communicating all the information on the production and distribution process from the receipt to the processing, packaging and sales.

“In fact, when consumers take a QR code on a product's packaging with a smartphone, they can see all the information such as origin, manufacturer, manufacturing date, expiration date, and retailer at a glance,” Samsung SDS said, adding that blockchain technology has the potential to increase consumer confidence in the food manufacturing and distribution process.

Samsung SDS said that it will actively move forward in the global market by applying new technologies such as blockchain, AI, and big data to its new e-commerce logistics business.

"We will continue to promote innovative logistics services," said Kim Hyung-tae, vice president of logistics business at Samsung SDS (loosely translated). "We plan to launch an intelligent logistics platform service that will enable us to collaborate with related industries to expand our logistics ecosystem."

In its media release, the company said that it has established an AI-based “Fulfillment Center”. The center leverages the firm’s AI-based big data analysis platform, Brightics AI and makes sales projections for each product sold at a retailer on the basis of its previous sales patterns.