Logistics operations often have complex, multi-layered structures. There is no indication that this will change anytime soon. Companies that want to effectively carry out their tasks in the industry must therefore help their employees navigate the maze of regulations, documentation, and information. Fr. Meyer's Sohn uses a virtual logistics expert named Hugo for this purpose.

Fr. Meyer's Sohn is a freight forwarding company founded in Hamburg, now present in over 25 markets, including Poland. Although the company was established in the 19th century, it is at the forefront of using modern technologies in its operations. There is a reason for this: Fr. Meyer's Sohn prides itself on flexibility, which the company considers absolutely essential in today's realities. Another proof of this adaptability to changing market conditions is the introduction of a virtual logistics expert—Hugo—within the company.

Hugo, who describes himself as a "virtual assistant," is an AI tool designed to unify the numerous and complex elements of the logistics puzzle to make the work of Fr. Meyer's Sohn employees as easy and fast as possible, benefiting the company's clients. Developed by an internal team of software engineers, logistics experts, and AI specialists, the system integrates all necessary sources and libraries to streamline logistics processes and guide employees through them.

Hugo is an expert in utilizing all possible systems, processes, and tools used in the daily work of FMS Logistics. The assistant covers virtually all areas—from transport management and warehouse operations to sales analysis, accounting, and more. However, having information is one thing; the ability to convey it in an accessible and clear way is another matter. Hugo handles this as well. By using the so-called Forwarding Dictionary, it can explain all terms and processes in a way that makes them easy to understand.

The assistant has access to all necessary information in real-time, can retrieve and browse documents and instructions related to specific systems, and can also provide data on cooperating agents or guidelines. It is not limited to specific geographic regions—it can use instructions for different countries, present applicable insurance guidelines, or internal company regulations for a given part of the world. This makes obtaining factual information easier than ever.

That's not all. Hugo can be extended with additional tools. Thanks to them, it can, for example, analyze email messages, but also go beyond FMS Logistics: retrieve relevant data from external systems (of course, after prior integration and obtaining necessary permissions) or search for information on websites.

Hugo is based on OpenAI's Large Language Model, but it can be integrated with other current or future language models. The designers ensure that using the assistant is safe—during its creation, emphasis was placed on data security to avoid uncontrolled information leaks outside the organization.

The assistant has already been in operation at Fr. Meyer's Sohn for over a year. Its implementation began in January 2024 with the launch of a series of training webinars for employees. Hugo is also constantly being improved, and employees have access to increasingly updated information and materials that allow them to use its capabilities more effectively. However, the company's management is aware that Rome wasn't built in a day, and the full implementation of Hugo, especially in the context of its continuously developing skills, takes time.

Hugo is not the only example of artificial intelligence use at Fr. Meyer's Sohn. The company also operates PAI—Process Automation based on AI. Its task is to develop a library of components, tools, and process steps, enabling the automation of repetitive tasks, which in turn relieves the company's employees. This gives them more time and opportunities to make better decisions and focus on strategic actions for the benefit of their partners.

Fr. Meyer's Sohn is a family-owned company that has been present in the global market for over 100 years. It specializes in ocean freight for containerized cargo, but its portfolio also includes trucking (including its own fleet), rail, air, and inland waterway transport. In May 2023, after years of operating in Poland, it opened its first official office in Gdańsk.

This article was translated by Hugo.