The 2025 Gartner Supply Chain Symposiums held in Orlando and Barcelona brought into sharp focus the evolving challenges and transformative opportunities facing supply chain leaders amid what industry insiders now term the “never normal” environment. At the heart of the discussions was the imperative for supply chain professionals to embrace ongoing disruption as a constant rather than an occasional hurdle.
Jake Barr, CEO of BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, and Karin Bursa, CEO of NIRAKIO, featured in a Supply Chain Now episode hosted by Scott Luton, underscored that traditional visibility within supply chains, once considered the gold standard, is no longer sufficient on its own. Barr highlighted the shift towards leveraging real-time data, not just for awareness but for anticipating and managing the consequences of supply chain events. This advanced use of data reflects a broader trend towards continuous learning and agile decision-making frameworks, which are critical for thriving in today’s volatile global landscape.
A significant theme emanating from the symposiums was the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping supply chain operations. Insights from various industry commentaries reveal a clear consensus: AI is not a distant concept but an active driver of change. By 2030, automation in supply chain planning is expected to reduce reliance on human planners by approximately 30%, while by 2028, around 15% of daily supply chain decisions could be autonomously made by AI agents. This shift, noted by several observers, demands that CEOs and supply chain leaders alike deepen their understanding of AI’s business impact, with 74% recognising its crucial role in shaping corporate strategies over the next few years.
The deployment of AI encompasses more than automation; it integrates advanced scenario planning enhanced by predictive, generative, and agentic AI capabilities. Such technologies enable organisations to create digital twins or models of their entire supply chain networks, which can simulate the effects of variables like tariff changes or disruption events on lead times and profitability. Despite its clear advantages, only a minority of supply chain leaders—19% in one survey—have fully embraced scenario planning as a core component of their strategies. This points to a considerable growth opportunity for organisations to invest in tools that do more than track data—they must harness uncertainty proactively to mitigate risks and optimise decisions.
Beyond AI and data visibility, the symposium also shed light on the broader integration of technology in supply chain operations. Innovations such as warehouse robots, multi-agent orchestration platforms, and AI-driven vision systems are streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency, and enabling real-time insights through IoT devices and autonomous data collection. Furthermore, the emerging focus on sustainability was evident, with leading companies exploring eco-friendly practices throughout their supply chain networks, underlining the necessity of collaborative approaches among technology providers, logistics firms, and distributors to navigate increasing complexity.
However, the leap towards AI and tech-driven supply chains is not without its challenges. Successful implementation requires tailoring AI solutions to specific organisational contexts rather than generic applications. It demands an evolution in data strategies and a commitment to workforce development to equip teams with the skills necessary to harness these cutting-edge tools effectively.
Looking ahead, the combined expert insights from Gartner’s events suggest that supply chain leaders who prioritise agility, continuous learning, and AI-enabled decision-making will be best positioned to thrive amid the persistent disruptions defining the “never normal.” As Jake Barr and Karin Bursa advise, the path forward is one where organisation-wide adaptability and technological innovation intertwine to deliver resilient, responsive, and ultimately more competitive supply chain ecosystems.
Source: Noah Wire Services
