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Change Skepticism to Strategic Adoption, Particularly in Supply Chain

Despite all the hype, executive leadership still has a cautious mentality about adopting generative AI.

One recent survey showed that only half of CEOs are even interested in generative AI. That’s sad but not surprising. Remember, many supply chains still haven’t acted upon my advice from 2017 regarding regular “old” artificial intelligence.

Back then, I realized that cloud computing, machine learning and AI could make digital supply chain networks reality. But three years later, the Black Swan of COVID-19 mated with the concept of VUCA to spawn a brand-new world of perpetual disruption.

Without real-time visibility and autonomous actionability, supply chains the world over broke.

That was 2020. Digital supply chain networks already offered tracking, collaboration and supply chain resiliency. Yet four years later, in 2024, many networks still do not take advantage.

More on that later. Right now, let’s dig into why CEOs and CFOs still hesitate regarding generative AI. Then we’ll come back to why you need to integrate technology like AI, machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain and IoT into your supply chain operations.

CEOs and Their Shocking Underappreciation for AI Skills

A recent survey discovered that 42% of CEOs do not find employees with AI skills valuable.

That’s astonishing. Now, of course, the same survey from Chief Executive magazine showed that 50% of CEOs did find employees with AI skills valuable.

Even more astonishing? Just 53% of CEOs showed interest in generative AI. Yes, that more than doubled from the previous level of 23%.

But frankly, that shows a pathetic level of interest. Already, artificial intelligence can:

  • Improve warehousing: Technology not only makes warehouses more efficient, it attracts better employees.
  • Digital supply chain networks: Know where your products are, when problems crop up and how to autonomously address the vast majority of supply chain disruptions.
  • Supply chain finance: Unlock liquidity. Get needed cash flow without giving up control of your company for investment capital.
  • Safer operations: AI can help keep your labor force alive and healthy.

So, many CEOs and CFOs seem to be keeping their eye on generative AI. But they haven’t “jumped in with both feet.”

And to be fair, the executive leaders who have adopted generative AI find productivity gains. But they have difficulty using generative AI to innovate and develop new products.

And that’s the whole point. The list above comes from a series I wrote about AI possibilities in business and supply chain. Those are just a small sliver of what generative AI and artificial intelligence can do. Innovative technologies generate products and services we haven’t even thought about yet.

Your Supply Chains Already Are Missing Out on Tangible Benefits

So why do you need to jump on generative AI in supply chain?

In one of my specialties, Supply Chain Management Review detailed how early adopters are reducing logistics costs 15%, decreasing inventory levels by 35% and increasing service levels by 65%.

Tompkins Ventures has seen similar results across a wide base of partners and clients.

Yes, there are worries. However, the right integration partner can overcome potential challenges like implementation costs and data quality.

Large language models can comb through unstructured data sets. Generative AI tools can identify shifts in consumer preferences and emerging market trends and opportunities. I expect massive changes in demand forecasting, inventory management and optimization, route planning, predictive maintenance and supplier risk assessment.

Expect increased efficiency, reduced costs, timelier risk management and better customer service.

Think of the possibilities in pairing new technologies like AI route optimization with drone delivery.

Remember, a lot of this (think digital supply chain networks) has been possible for years. But leaders kept their heads in the sand. Even systems with real-time data did not have the autonomous actionability neccessary to deal with rapid change and disruption.

The Smartphone Revolution and Its Warning from History

As Harvard Business Review points out, who thought smartphones would begat ride-sharing apps?

Apple released the iPhone in 2007. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and others thought Apple’s gambit would fail. One sage compared texting and emailing via virtual keyboards to rotary phones.

Instead, developers created apps. These apps upended everything from communications to social media to payment processes to health monitoring. Uber debuted two years later.

And when is the last time you stopped the car, pulled out a paper map and tried to figure out when to take the next left?

Many business leaders fear risks that include inaccurate data, IP rights and regulation. But you can take a page out of the playbook of industrial engineers and conduct pilot projects.

Gather data and feedback from your pilot. Then make informed choices about whether to proceed, modify or abandon the changes. Gradually roll out generative AI and artificial intelligence solutions.

Only by experimenting now can you and your organization understand AI’s potential application. Only then can you improve productivity, transform experiences and create entirely new business opportunities and revenue streams.

Generative AI Is the Choice between Blockbuster and Netflix

So, do you want to be Blockbuster and cling to video rental? Or Netflix and adapt to video by eCommerce, followed by a transition to streaming?

Today, only one video rental store, in Bend, Oregon, uses the Blockbuster brand. Netflix’s market capitalization is $265 million.

Your choice is clear: Embrace generative AI, like Netflix embraced change. Or cling to the old, like Blockbuster. And risk becoming obsolete.

I’d love to hear how you’re integrating generative AI into your organizations. Drop me a line and let’s talk supply chain operations, driving innovation, efficiency and competitive advantage.

In this world of perpetual disruption, it pays to talk and figure out what supply chain AI is hype and what delivers.

Jim Tompkins on AI hype vs. reality: