**United States**: A new survey reveals pressing challenges faced by U.S. supply chain leaders, indicating heavy reliance on fragmented systems, inadequate real-time insights, and the potential of AI to enhance efficiency amid concerns surrounding data security and costs.
A recent survey by FourKites in partnership with YouGov has shed light on the pressing challenges faced by U.S. supply chain leaders, particularly in the context of digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings, detailed in the report titled “Why You Should Rethink Your Supply Chain Tech,” underscore persistent issues within the sector, including fragmented technology stacks, supply chain blind spots, and a lack of real-time insights.
The survey, which engaged 250 supply chain professionals across the United States, revealed a significant reliance on multiple systems for key decision-making processes. Notably, 75% of respondents indicated they utilise between three and ten different platforms to manage their supply chain operations. Alarmingly, only 20% of organisations reported having real-time visibility into 75% or more of their supply chain activities, pointing to a widespread lack of integrated data systems.
Among the major concerns identified, 38% of participants pointed to supply chain blind spots as the most significant limitation of their current technological capabilities. Furthermore, 80% of companies stated that less than 75% of their supply chain data is accessible in real time. This fragmented approach to technology appears to undermine the efficiency of supply chains, as 30% of larger organisations noted that complex workflows across disparate systems inhibit their ability to fully exploit their technology investments.
One of the more striking revelations from the survey is the time required to respond to disruptions; around two-thirds of respondents noted that it takes four hours or longer to assess the impact of such events. This delay can significantly affect overall operational effectiveness.
The promise of AI emerges strongly within these findings, with 75% of supply chain leaders believing that AI could automate between 25% and 75% of routine supply chain tasks. Specific operational functions, including carrier communications, appointment scheduling, exception management, and administrative duties like system entries and reporting, are viewed as prime candidates for automation through AI technologies. Respondents anticipate that the integration of AI could lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, improved on-time in-full (OTIF) performance, and reduced labour costs. However, concerns linger, with over 40% of participants expressing apprehensions regarding data security, reliability of systems, and associated costs of AI adoption.
Mathew Elenjickal, founder and CEO of FourKites, emphasised the urgent need for transformation within the industry, stating, “Companies in every industry are telling us the same thing: they’re drowning in data but starving for action. Too many companies have invested in multiple systems only to end up with low-quality data, limited insights, and inadequate decision-making capabilities.” He further highlighted the imperative for “a single source of truth connecting existing systems that empowers a digital workforce of AI agents to take action.”
The insights provided in the survey point towards a pivotal moment for supply chain management, where the integration of AI and streamlined processes could significantly enhance operational effectiveness and drive revenue growth. The comprehensive results are available in FourKites’ report, “Why You Should Rethink Your Supply Chain Tech.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
