From Excel to AI: A tech breakthrough for project logistics

AI digitizing the undigitable.

It’s an oft-repeated mantra that project logistics is too difficult and too complex to digitize – but that mission has taken a big step forward with the rollout of a dedicated artificial intelligence tool designed especially for industrial-scale operations.

The AI tool has been developed by Dubai-based Logiswift, which is active in the US with its own operation in Houston, and counts project forwarders and major shippers among its global clients. Its new AI chatbot is designed to simplify data analysis for project cargo operators, addressing what CEO Ziad Abourizk calls the industry’s “Excel problem.”

The AI tool, part of Logiswift’s Nova platform, allows users to interrogate their logistics data using natural language commands, much like widely used applications such as ChatGPT.

“You can ask Nova Chatbot, ‘What are my delayed shipments over the last five days?’ Or ‘Can you build me a dashboard showing my shortage of stock by region?’” Abourizk told AJOT. “And Nova will do it for you on the fly.”

The development addresses a persistent challenge in project cargo logistics, where complex supply chains involving multiple stakeholders often rely on fragmented data systems. “What we have seen over the years is that a lot of companies try to force fit a generic transportation management system (TMS) or warehouse management system (WMS) into these kinds of complex environments, so most of them fail,” Abourizk said.

“They end up doing a lot of Excel coordination, email coordination, and the data gets fragmented and siloed in different places.”

Logiswift has spent six years developing technology specifically for project forwarding and breakbulk operations. The company’s approach differs from traditional enterprise resource planning systems by focusing on the unique requirements of industrial supply chains.

Its platform offers a range of features including an advanced analytics and query builder, which allows users to get the most out of their databases with precision search generating valuable insights. Other features include customizable maps and calendars; a personalized widget generator; global search across the entire supply chain; and a user-friendly interface which includes a dark mode.

“We are not just another logistics platform,” Abourizk emphasized. “We try to solve the problems that other cloud systems cannot do. By that, we mean the type of complex logistics that other systems like generic ERPs cannot service.” Logiswift’s system is designed for what it describes “variable node logistics,” such as project cargo operations, which see frequent changes to schedules, shipments and deliveries.

AI Without Data Sharing

A key differentiator in Logiswift’s AI approach is its data security architecture. Unlike many AI applications that send user data to external models for processing, Nova retains sensitive commercial information within the client’s system.

“We don’t share any data whatsoever with the AI models,” Abourizk explained. “When you ask a question, the AI converts it into a technical SQL query. That query runs inside our system, and we return the result — without the AI ever seeing or storing any of the underlying data.”

This approach addresses a common concern among logistics companies and shippers about data privacy when implementing AI solutions. Additional security protocols ensure users only access data they’re authorized to see.

The AI chatbot has been tested with major clients and is now being rolled out, its development reflecting growing demand from Logiswift’s customer base for simplified data analysis tools.

“Customers are looking for simplicity and control over their shipments,” Abourizk said. “They want AI to support their decision-making and help them react better, faster and with more confidence.”

The company plans to expand its AI capabilities beyond analytics to include autonomous agents that can perform tasks on behalf of logistics operators. “Next is the AI agents, which is the future – this means an agent that can help the logistics operator to do the job for them,” Abourizk explained.

“Instead of doing all those manual entries, you’ll have an agent assisting you in your day-to-day operation and doing a job on your behalf.”

Houston Hub, Global Operations

While Logiswift serves customers globally, its Houston office plays a crucial role in the company’s North American operations and overall growth strategy. The location provides access to one of the world’s largest concentrations of energy and industrial companies, many of which require specialized project cargo services.

“We have customers everywhere from Australia to the United States and South America. It’s truly a global operation,” Abourizk said. Its Houston operations are managed by Mario Hess, a project logistics veteran previously employed at deugro, Kuehne & Nagel and Panalpina.

Logiswift’s modular approach allows customers to implement specific functionality based on their needs, rather than requiring adoption of a complete software suite. “We have modular systems so we can serve the individual needs of customers, allowing them to select the elements they require,” Abourizk explained.

The executive’s own 25-year background in freight forwarding, including 16 years with a top-five global forwarder, shaped Logiswift’s development approach. This industry experience influenced both the company’s hiring strategy and product design philosophy, he says.

“All the executive people in Logiswift come from either an EPC company managing supply chains, or from freight forwarders, port management or tech companies,” he said. “So, we combine that expertise together to build the next generation platform for logistics.”

The company’s pricing model varies based on customer type and scope, reflecting the diverse needs of freight forwarders, project owners, EPC companies and commodity traders. Looking ahead, AI will remain central to Logiswift’s development strategy, though it continues investing in its core execution and dashboard capabilities.

“AI is the future, but it builds on the systems we’ve already proven and perfected,” says Abourizk.

The use of AI in project cargo logistics highlights how even the most complex supply chains are beginning to benefit from digital tools once thought out of reach for the industry.