Supply chain leaders are investing heavily in artificial intelligence—but the biggest returns aren’t coming from the tools themselves. They’re coming from how those tools are connected.
It’s Not About Having AI—It’s About How You Use It
Artificial intelligence has officially crossed from hype into reality in supply chain operations. According to a recent report, nearly half of supply chain leaders are already using AI—and many are seeing early returns, particularly in logistics and transportation.
But the most striking insight isn’t just that AI is being adopted. It’s that unified platforms—those that link planning, execution, and analytics—are delivering far greater ROI than standalone, siloed tools.
“Prescriptive AI is emerging as a game changer in the supply chain, providing real-time, data-driven decision-making capabilities to mitigate risks,” notes research from The Hackett Group. The value isn’t in AI for its own sake—but in its ability to drive connected decisions across the value chain.
Logistics Is Leading—But the Real Gains Are Structural
Logistics and transportation remain the top areas benefiting from AI, with AI-driven tools helping reduce costs, improve delivery reliability, and accelerate decision-making. But the deeper opportunity lies in how AI supports structural improvements across siloed functions.
Despite advances, 78% of organizations still run separate systems for inventory, ordering, logistics, and planning—undermining AI’s potential. Disconnected data creates friction, delays, and missed opportunities.
The most effective AI implementations aren’t isolated tools. They’re part of a broader digital strategy—bringing together disparate data and processes to enhance agility, transparency, and control.
The Human Factor: AI’s Underused Leverage Point
AI isn’t just changing systems—it’s changing how people work. According to McKinsey, “Employees are more ready for AI than their leaders imagine. In fact, they are already using AI on a regular basis.” When supply chain professionals are empowered with AI tools that improve visibility and decision-making, the results compound.
This is where forward-thinking organizations are finding the edge—not just in automation, but in enabling people to make smarter decisions, faster, with AI as a partner rather than a black box.
What Supply Chain Leaders Should Do Now
AI deployed in isolation delivers marginal gains. AI embedded into connected, cross-functional systems—and integrated into how people work—delivers real performance.
The companies leading the charge aren’t just building better algorithms. They’re investing in foundational visibility, system integration, and human-AI collaboration. That’s where the ROI lives—and where the next wave of competitive advantage will come from.
