AI Integration Accelerates in Supply Chains Amid Persistent Volatility
Event summary
- 67% of retail and manufacturing leaders report increased confidence in AI for supply chain decision-making, up from last year.
- 47% of organizations are using or planning AI-driven inventory and supply optimization, while 41% apply AI to logistics and routing.
- 71% of companies plan to invest in generative and agentic AI over the next three to five years, with 60% focusing on predictive AI.
- 44% of leaders cite consumer demand volatility as a top challenge over the next three years.
- 63% of respondents say the importance of sustainability in their supply chain strategy has increased.
The big picture
The report highlights a strategic shift from reactive disruption response to proactive, AI-driven planning in supply chains. As volatility persists, companies are increasingly relying on AI to improve forecasting accuracy, automate inventory decisions, and enhance operational resilience. This trend is particularly pronounced in retail and manufacturing sectors, where demand uncertainty and procurement disruptions are major challenges. The integration of AI into core supply chain decisions marks a significant evolution in how businesses manage risk and optimize efficiency.
What we're watching
- AI Adoption Pace
- How quickly AI will transition from recommendation tools to fully autonomous decision-making in supply chains.
- Sustainability Constraints
- Whether regulatory pressures will further accelerate AI adoption in supply chain planning.
- Investment Priorities
- The pace at which companies will shift budgets from reactive measures to AI-enabled planning capabilities.