According to data from research and consulting firm Gartner, supply chain leaders are prioritizing investments in AI as they develop their organization’s technology roadmap. The survey, which included over 400 supply chain leaders, ranked AI and GenAI as the top two priorities for digital supply chain investments globally.
Traditional AI vs. GenAI: A Close Race
The survey revealed that 20% of respondents are prioritizing investments in traditional AI, which analyzes data, identifies patterns, and makes predictions. On the other hand, 17% are prioritizing investments in GenAI, which learns patterns and uses them to generate text, images, and more.
Regional and Role-Based Differences in AI Prioritization
Despite the overall focus on AI, the technology lagged as a priority in Western Europe, where connected industry objectives remain paramount. The survey also found that business-led roles are less enthusiastic than their IT counterparts when it comes to prioritizing the technology.
Geographical Variances and Job Responsibilities
The survey found that 26% of North American respondents identified AI, including machine learning, as their top priority, compared to 14% of Western Europeans. Furthermore, just 12% of respondents with business-focused roles indicated GenAI as a top priority, compared to 28% of IT roles.
AI’s Role in the Future of Supply Chain
The survey results highlight the growing importance of AI in shaping the future of supply chain management. However, the varying levels of prioritization across different regions and roles suggest that the adoption and implementation of AI in supply chain processes may be a complex and nuanced endeavor. The expanding role of Generative AI and the allocation of budget towards its adoption are key indicators of this trend.
