Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming supply chains and Ireland’s hardware industry now has a unique chance to get ahead. The new Postgraduate Certificate in Applied AI in Supply Chain Management, launched by CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), is open for enrollment. This fully online Level 9 program (30 ECTS), funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU, equips supply chain professionals with practical AI skills to boost forecasting accuracy, optimise inventory, and manage risks – making advanced training accessible and affordable.
Why AI? Why Now for Hardware Supply Chains
Forecasting is one area where AI excels. Advanced algorithms process years of sales data and external factors to generate accurate demand forecasts. Case studies show that AI-driven forecasting can reduce stockouts by 30% and excess inventory by 20-25% in largescale retail. This means more customers find products on shelves while businesses avoid costly overstock – vital for a low-margin sector like hardware retail.
Smarter Inventory Planning and Cost Savings
AI goes beyond forecasting, helping to optimise inventory by determining how much stock to keep and where. Unlike traditional planning methods, AI systems continuously learn and recommend reorder points and quantities for each product, tailored to differences between store locations. Companies using AI report leaner inventories and higher product availability. Some AI pilots have cut inventory by 15-20% while maintaining 99% product availability, saving millions on storage and freeing up warehouse space.
For hardware companies these efficiencies translate to savings on storage and fewer emergency orders. AI also minimises markdowns by aligning inventory with real demand, reducing the hidden costs of excess stock and keeping customers satisfied with the right products at the right time.
Enrollment is open now for the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied AI in Supply Chain Management. Supply chain, logistics, and procurement professionals in the hardware sector are encouraged to seize this opportunity. For a full list of training programs available visit www.ciltskillnet.ie.
