We’ve all heard the chatter — “Is AI just a bubble?” — but here’s the thing: while some industries are still figuring out if AI is a toy or a tool, supply chain and logistics have quietly become ground zero for real, practical AI wins. Big players like Flexport and Uber Freight are flexing their AI muscles with Fortune 500 clients, but the real magic? It’s starting to trickle down to the businesses that actually keep the world running day-to-day.
Enter Netstock, an inventory management company founded way back in 2009 (yes, pre-ChatGPT hype). Instead of bolting a flashy chatbot onto old software, Netstock went practical with something it calls the Opportunity Engine. This AI-powered tool plugs into a customer’s ERP system and churns out real-time recommendations to help companies manage stock smarter.
Sounds simple? Well, those “simple” nudges are already saving businesses thousands of dollars. Netstock just announced it has crossed 1 million AI-generated recommendations, with 75% of customers getting suggestions worth $50K or more. Not bad for tech that isn’t screaming “look at me!” every two seconds.
Take Bargreen Ellingson, a 65-year-old, family-run restaurant supply company. At first, they weren’t exactly thrilled about a “black box” making inventory decisions. But instead of forcing AI down everyone’s throat, the CIO pitched it as: “You can use it… or ignore it.” That softer rollout meant warehouse staff could test the tool without feeling replaced. Fast-forward, and employees — even those without advanced degrees — are now making sharper calls with the AI as backup. One worker with just two years on the job can now quickly spot whether a recommendation makes sense. Result? He feels empowered, not sidelined.
And that’s the real takeaway: AI here isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about giving them sharper eyes and better instincts. Netstock’s models get smarter over time, but the final say still rests with people — no blind trust, no runaway “AI overlord” moment.
Of course, there’s still caution in the air. Netstock’s cofounder admits generative AI can hallucinate if you give it too much freedom. That’s why Opportunity Engine lives quietly inside the dashboard: visible, useful, but never overbearing. Think of it as the helpful co-pilot, not the overzealous driver grabbing the wheel.
In an era where many AI pilots fizzle, Netstock’s measured, human-first approach feels refreshing. It’s not hype, it’s not gimmick — it’s AI that pays for itself. And if small businesses keep stacking these kinds of wins, the bubble talk might just fade into background noise.
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