Turning innovation into performance at scale

Supply chains are becoming more complex, unpredictable and demanding, while automation and artificial intelligence are opening up new possibilities. The challenge for logistics leaders is not simply to adopt technology, but to turn it into measurable performance at scale.

That challenge was at the center of our GXO Innovation Tour in Almere, Netherlands where we discussed robots that bring inventory to operators, systems that reduce excess walking and technology that can load a trailer in approximately two minutes. Yet the most important question was not what each technology could do in isolation, but how these capabilities could translate into measurable performance across operations.

At GXO, this is how we approach innovation every day. The goal is not technology for its own sake, but greater speed, resilience and efficiency for our customers. Achieving those outcomes consistently requires a shared way of working, the right solution for each operation and the ability to scale what works.

Operational excellence through the GXO Way

The GXO Way translates this ambition into day-to-day operations across our global network. Built around people, innovation and customer success, it gives teams a shared method for identifying challenges, selecting the right solutions, measuring impact and scaling what works, while keeping each operation tailored to the customer.

A shared approach does not mean using the same technology everywhere. Volumes, workflows and customer priorities differ, so we combine adaptive technologies with large-scale automation according to each operation’s needs. People remain central: technology provides better information and tools, while on-site teams turn them into safe, reliable and consistent performance.

Building the AI-enabled warehouse

Lasting impact comes from connecting data, decisions and execution across the entire operation, rather than improving isolated tasks.

Drawing on more than 20 years of operational data, GXO IQ brings data, AI orchestration and execution together so that insights and recommendations in one area can inform actions across the operation. AI is embedded directly into workflows, rather than layered separately, enabling continuous optimization across the operation.

This integrated approach is producing concrete results. AI-powered pick-path optimization reduces travel and enables multi-store picking in a single journey, with early pilots indicating a productivity improvement of 5% to 8%. Intelligent wave planning automates work release, prioritization and task orchestration. At one North America site, more than 90% of volume is now managed through the AI agent, contributing to an initial 10% improvement in full-pallet picking performance. In each case, the agents provide recommendations while people retain control over operational decisions.

Building smarter logistics together

Technology, automation and AI can create strategic advantage, but lasting progress depends on customers defining the right challenges, technology partners bringing new capabilities and operators turning them into reliable performance at scale.

The GXO Innovation Tour brought that ecosystem together. The discussions explored what could come next, while the Hunkemöller operation demonstrated how innovation is already supporting day-to-day logistics.

The opportunity now is to keep testing what is possible, scale what delivers measurable performance and, together, turn innovation into smarter logistics.

Bart Beeks, Chief Operating Officer

Bart Beeks leads GXO’s global operational excellence agenda through standardized global execution. Prior to GXO, Mr. Beeks was at CEVA Logistics, where he rose from intern to Chief Operating Officer, managing operations in more than 170 countries. He has extensive experience in operations, implementation excellence, international and site-level management and building high-performing teams. Prior, Beeks served as a Commanding Officer in the Dutch Special Forces.