AI assists the employees of Fr. Meyer's Sohn

Hugo is an expert in utilizing all possible systems, processes, and tools used in the daily work of FMS. 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: 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. 

This article was translated by Hugo.