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.

This paper delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the forklift industry, particularly focusing on logistics and procurement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of industrial machinery. The study highlights the growing influence of AI in automating and improving the forklift industry. Using the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) balanced scorecard (BSC), benchmarking, and activity-based management (ABM) models, the paper analyses the risks and the implications of AI integration in the industry in the actual turbulent context. The research highlights the significant shifts in logistics and procurement processes due to AI, projecting a future where forklift operations are deep automatized, leading to a possible loss of forklift operator jobs. A case study of the most relevant Romanian SME in the forklift industry is also presented, examining the company's financial strategies using McKinsey’s 7S framework. The paper concludes with a perspective that, in the future, machines will predominantly operate in roles currently held by humans, significantly altering the industry landscape.

This paper delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the forklift industry, particularly focusing on logistics and procurement within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of industrial machinery. The study highlights the growing influence of AI in automating and improving the forklift industry. Using the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) balanced scorecard (BSC), benchmarking, and activity-based management (ABM) models, the paper analyses the risks and the implications of AI integration in the industry in the actual turbulent context. The research highlights the significant shifts in logistics and procurement processes due to AI, projecting a future where forklift operations are deep automatized, leading to a possible loss of forklift operator jobs. A case study of the most relevant Romanian SME in the forklift industry is also presented, examining the company's financial strategies using McKinsey’s 7S framework. The paper concludes with a perspective that, in the future, machines will predominantly operate in roles currently held by humans, significantly altering the industry landscape.