Supply Chain Leaders' Perspectives on Technology Implementation

This technical report presents findings from a survey of 490 supply chain leaders regarding the challenges and opportunities in technology implementation within supply chains. The report identifies three significant truths: a majority of companies lack standard operating procedures (SOPs) to act on visibility investments, AI is often deployed inappropriately, and working capital optimization is the primary investment driver. The report outlines three critical actions for organizations: establishing SOPs to empower teams, strategically deploying AI where trust exists, and framing technology investments in terms of working capital. Additionally, it highlights the visibility trap, where organizations struggle to act on data due to internal coordination issues. The report emphasizes the need for companies to focus on practical implementations of AI and to measure success through tangible metrics like inventory reduction and cost savings. It concludes that while technology can enhance supply chain efficiency, organizational readiness and decision-making authority are crucial for successful execution.