**London**: A survey by IBM Institute for Business Value reveals that 62% of C-level supply chain executives are optimistic about AI’s transformative impact, predicting enhanced decision-making efficiency and real-time analytics capabilities by 2026, with strong enthusiasm for both agentic and generative AI technologies.
A recent survey conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) has highlighted the positive outlook of C-level supply chain executives regarding the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within their operations. The survey, which included over 300 chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) and chief operating officers (COOs) from various global organisations actively implementing AI-enabled automation, reveals a strong enthusiasm for the possibilities that agentic AI and generative AI present.
The report indicates that a significant majority of the respondents are optimistic about the transformative impact these AI solutions could have on their supply chains. Specifically, more than six-in-10 respondents, or 62%, noted that the implementation of AI agents embedded within operational workflows could dramatically accelerate decision-making processes, enhancing both speed and efficiency in communication and recommendations.
Looking towards the future, seven-in-10 respondents expressed confidence that by the year 2026, their workforce would leverage deeper analytics capabilities to facilitate real-time analysis and optimisation, driven primarily by agentic AI automation. This is particularly pertinent in areas such as procurement and dynamic sourcing, suggesting a shift towards a more agile and responsive supply chain management model.
Moreover, the survey revealed that three-in-four respondents believe that the overall efficiency of their processes will see significant improvements through the use of AI agents. These agents are capable of performing repetitive and impact-based tasks at a faster rate than human workers, thereby potentially reducing error margins and freeing up human resources for more strategic functions.
Generative AI, another focal point of the study, operates on machine learning principles, utilising large language models to generate content that resembles human communication. This technology allows for the creation of diverse outputs, including conversations, narratives, visuals, and music. Its application in supply chain contexts could lead to enhanced creativity and innovation in problem-solving and customer engagement.
The findings from this survey underscore a growing trend among supply chain leaders to embrace advanced technologies as a means of driving efficiency and adapting to rapidly changing market demands. The insights derived from the survey are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of supply chains internationally.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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