Around 63% of high-growth supply chain businesses (defined by revenue growth of 20 percent or more over the past three years) have already integrated generative AI into their operations, according to the 2024 Agility Index research study from Epicor and Nucleus Research.
“When workers are empowered to spend more time innovating—what humans do best—that’s where the real value creation happens. That is agility,” said Vaibhav Vohra, Epicor's chief product and technology officer. “Our 2024 Agility Index underscores the growing adoption of AI and other automation technologies as an essential factor in enabling supply chain businesses to better thrive and compete. These cognitive capabilities are coming together to empower workers and their businesses to more readily adapt to shifting market conditions and better serve their customers.”
Digital supply chain operations
The survey of 1700 supply chain leaders worldwide revealed that generative AI is being integrated into digital supply chain operations. Notably, 72% of organisations noted customer service chatbots as the most prevalent use case.
Organisations also maximise machine learning in inventory optimisation (45%) and demand forecasting (40%).
Respondents reported that automation technologies play a crucial role in their operations. They have seen a significant increase in efficiency and productivity (32%), cost savings (26%), and improved supply chain automation (23%).