The Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence in the Forklift Industry—An Analysis for the Case of Romania

Alexandru-Silviu Goga (), Zsolt Toth, Mihai-Alin Meclea, Ionela-Roxana Puiu and Mircea Boșcoianu
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Alexandru-Silviu Goga: Engineering and Industrial Management, The Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
Zsolt Toth: Engineering and Industrial Management, The Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
Mihai-Alin Meclea: Engineering and Industrial Management, The Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
Ionela-Roxana Puiu: Engineering and Industrial Management, The Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
Mircea Boșcoianu: Engineering and Industrial Management, The Faculty of Technological Engineering and Industrial Management, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-25

Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the forklift industry, focusing on logistics and procurement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. Using a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with seven managers from a benchmarked company in the forklift industry (BCFI) and quantitative analysis of operational data, we examine the transformative effects of AI integration. Key findings include a 30% reduction in inventory holding costs due to AI-powered predictive analytics; a 15% decrease in procurement costs through AI-driven supplier evaluation systems; a 25% increase in operational efficiency from AI-optimized route planning; a 40% boost in overall productivity attributed to AI-enabled automation; and a projected 20% reduction in low-skilled labor requirements over the next five years. The study employs environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), balanced scorecard (BSC), benchmarking, and activity-based management (ABM) models to analyze risks and implications of AI integration. A case study of a leading Romanian SME in the forklift industry is presented, examining financial strategies using McKinsey’s 7S framework. The paper concludes that while AI offers significant operational benefits, it also presents challenges in workforce transition and ethical considerations that require careful management.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; logistics; procurement; risks; safety; SMEs; forklift industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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