Global logistics and materials management specialist ASCO is investing £18.3million over the next six years to advance its digital, artificial intelligence and automation capabilities, building on its existing technology to give clients even greater real-time visibility and control over their supply chain operations.
The investment will focus on developing ASCO’s current digital solutions, as well as applying advanced AI to improve planning and decision-making, increasing automation and strengthening connectivity between systems, data and operational technology across its global operations.
A key area of investment will be the continued development of ASCO’s Integrated Logistics Management System (iLMS), which includes the firm's Material, Cargo, Quayside, and Transport Management systems. Further development of ASCO’s Waste Management System will enhance environmental reporting, tracking waste type, composition, location and disposal route.
These digital tools complement ASCO's 24/7 Operational Control Centres in the UK and Norway, which bring people, operational data and technology together to coordinate transport, shipping, marine and aviation activity. Combined, they provide integrated visibility of materials, transport, quayside and environmental operations, helping teams manage exceptions, respond to changing conditions and maintain operational control.
The next stage of investment will build on that foundation by expanding the use of AI and advanced digital technology to improve planning, accelerate processes and turnaround times, make better use of available capacity and identify exceptions earlier. Applications already include AI-supported load optimisation, automated data capture and reporting, image recognition, hazard identification, barcode and RFID-enabled materials control and automated operational workflows.
This approach is already delivering measurable results across different sectors. ASCO has helped a major global energy company reduce materials processing time by 80%, while inventory optimisation for a North Sea operator delivered £36 million in savings. For a pulp and paper manufacturer, a digital and operational transformation programme identified approximately £10 million in inventory optimisation savings. In offshore wind, ASCO has used digital simulation to model more than two million vessel movements, helping identify supply chain bottlenecks and inform port and infrastructure planning.
As part of the programme, Steve Shearman has joined ASCO as Chief AI Officer, with responsibility for accelerating the use of AI across the business and identifying opportunities to create new technology-enabled solutions for clients. Shearman brings more than 15 years' experience in technology product management and strategy, alongside more than 25 years in business management.
ASCO Chief Executive Officer Mike Pettigrew said: "This investment is about accelerating a technology strategy that is already delivering for our clients. We have strong digital platforms, established operational control capability and growing expertise in AI, automation and robotics. The next step is to connect those capabilities more closely and develop them further, so they support our growth. As we expand internationally and into sectors beyond traditional energy, our technology means we can bring proven visibility, control and performance to new clients quickly.
"Our approach starts with the operational problem, not the technology. We look at where better visibility, control or decision-making is needed and then apply the right combination of technology, data and operational expertise. The £18.3 million investment gives us the ability to do that at greater scale and pace across our global operations."
Steve Shearman, Chief AI Officer at ASCO, said: "ASCO already has a strong technology base and, importantly, deep operational knowledge of the environments in which that technology has to work. That gives us an excellent platform for the next stage of development.
"AI gives us the opportunity to improve existing processes, develop solutions faster and help our teams and clients make better use of operational data. The focus will be on practical applications that solve real problems and can demonstrate measurable value, rather than introducing technology for its own sake."
ASCO has been shortlisted for Innovative Supply Chain Company of the Year at the OEUK Awards, recognising innovation through technology, processes and partnerships throughout its logistics, materials management, warehousing, ports and environmental operations.