Talking Supply Chain: How AI-infused location intelligence is reshaping supply chains

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword in supply chain, it’s rapidly changing how products move from origin to destination. In this episode of Talking Supply Chain, host Brian Straight sits down with Stuart Ryan, senior vice president and general manager of the Americas for HERE Technologies, to explore how AI-powered mapping and location intelligence are reshaping transportation and logistics.

Ryan explains that HERE Technologies has been at the forefront of mapmaking for decades, powering navigation and logistics for automakers like BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen as well as technology giants such as AWS and Oracle. Today, AI is central to how the company ingests thousands of data sources, validates them in real time, and delivers hyper-accurate maps that optimize routing, improve fleet efficiency, and reduce costly disruptions. From predicting traffic incidents to adjusting delivery ETAs within minutes, AI-driven mapping has become a critical supply chain tool.

A key theme of the discussion is how “intelligent” or “dynamic” mapping is moving beyond simple directions. Ryan highlights how AI enables supply chains to optimize not just the last mile, but the last meter of delivery—down to pinpointing the exact drop-off location. He also describes how HERE’S truck-specific mapping attributes—such as bridge heights, road weight restrictions, and time-of-day access rules—help fleets avoid costly mistakes. Bridge strikes, for instance, cost state DOTs hundreds of thousands of dollars per incident, a problem that AI-powered routing can dramatically reduce.

The conversation also explores how real-time and historical data work together to make maps more reliable. By combining satellite imagery, sensor data, and driver feedback, HERE can deliver validated map updates in under 24 hours. Ryan emphasizes that AI not only speeds up the process but also weeds out inaccurate inputs, ensuring customers get trustworthy information to keep operations running smoothly.

Looking ahead, Ryan points to even bigger changes on the horizon. AI-powered mapping will underpin the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles and drones, while agentic AI could automate entire business processes, he said.  

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