Is Your Parcel Platform Actually Smart—Or Just Marketing Itself That Way?

AI is everywhere—or at least, that’s what every software vendor wants you to think. But the truth? Over 70% of AI claims in enterprise software are either misleading or exaggerated—especially in the B2B tech space. In many cases, “AI” is just a buzzword slapped on basic automation.

According to Gartner, by 2026, 80% of software vendors will say they’ve integrated AI. But only a small percentage will actually deliver useful, measurable outcomes—because without the right data foundation, AI simply doesn’t work.

This matters more than ever in parcel spend management. Rising surcharges, unpredictable fees, and complicated carrier contracts make it hard to maintain healthy profit margins. Choosing a tool that relies on real intelligence—not just catchy branding—could mean the difference between overspending and saving millions.

So if you're considering a parcel spend platform, it’s time to move past the marketing and dig into what’s actually under the hood. Here's how to separate real AI from empty promises—along with five critical questions you should ask any vendor.

Real AI vs. Fake AI

So what’s the difference?

Fake AI is often glorified automation. It might autofill forms or generate static reports—but it doesn’t think, adapt, or truly assist in making smarter choices.

Real AI helps make or support decisions. In parcel logistics, that could mean determining when to ship, choosing a more cost-effective route, or responding dynamically to fee changes.

True AI should:

• Make decisions based on changing data, or

• Help people make better, faster choices with real-time insights.

If your platform doesn’t do that—it’s not intelligent. It’s just automated.

What Real Parcel AI Should Do:

• Uncover hidden savings

• Run simulations on contract scenarios

• Provide real-time recommendations—not just post-mortem reports

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Parcel Spend Platform

1. How does your platform adapt as my shipping behavior changes?

AI should learn. If a system needs manual updates every time your shipping volume or carrier mix changes, it's not intelligent—it’s reactive.

2. Can it predict costs and highlight risks?

Reporting on last month isn’t enough. In today’s volatile shipping market, your platform should forecast based on seasonal trends, GRI updates, and carrier rate behavior.

3. Will it show me savings opportunities automatically?

Smart systems don’t wait for user prompts. They should flag unnecessary fees, refund opportunities, or billing errors you didn’t think to ask about.

4. Where is machine learning used—and how?

If a vendor can’t tell you where and how ML is applied, they’re probably not using it meaningfully. Real ML should optimize shipping strategies, enhance forecasting, and improve outcomes—not just fix typos on invoices.

5. Does the system take initiative—or wait for you?

An intelligent tool should behave like a virtual assistant, alerting you to contract misalignments or optimization opportunities—not just running reports on command.

Why All This Matters

Forrester reports that poor data quality is the top reason AI tools fail to deliver results. If your platform just automates what’s already being done—without true intelligence layered in—it won’t move the needle in today’s logistics landscape.

Parcel management is full of decisions: some simple, some complex. Real AI should handle routine tasks (like filing claims or flagging errors) while helping humans make strategic choices with data-backed insights.

The market for AI software is expected to grow 50% faster than overall software in the next two years. As demand rises, so does confusion over what “AI” really means. Don’t get fooled.

A Smarter Example: STS NOW

STS NOW delivers parcel intelligence that goes far beyond reactive reporting. Our tools are built with embedded intelligence that works in real-time—guiding smarter, faster decisions across every part of your shipping operation.

With STS NOW’s platform, you can:

• Retrieve invoices and alerts in real time

• Auto-file and track claims with zero manual intervention

• Centralize alerts into one intelligent voice

• Ask natural-language questions and get immediate answers

We transform automation into an intelligent client-facing experience—boosting visibility, enhancing trust, and delivering measurable cost savings.

AI Isn’t a Feature. It’s a Framework.

At STS NOW, our mission is to help businesses make optimal logistics decisions—or make them on your behalf when it's more efficient to do so. Because that’s what true AI does: it works for you.

Not just a dashboard. Not just a chatbot. But a real-time decision engine that protects your bottom line.

Ready to experience real parcel intelligence?

See how STS NOW delivers predictive insights, AI-driven recommendations, and daily savings—shipment by shipment, decision by decision.