The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed retailers to optimize processes across forecasting, planning and supply chain execution. According to Gartner, AI and generative AI are now top investment priorities for supply chain professionals. However, integrating AI is not just about investing in technology; it requires organizations to restructure themselves to leverage AI’s full potential. 90% of supply chain leaders are in the midst of restructuring or plan to restructure in the next 12 months, driven largely by the AI revolution.

The Need for a Clear Vision

Before adopting AI, supply chain leaders must establish a clear vision of the end-state they want to achieve. Setting clear KPIs early and ensuring quality, accessible data helps unlock value quickly. However, without a strong vision for how the business should function post-reorganization, old, siloed habits may resurface, slowing down and limiting the success of AI adoption.

Cooperation Over Collaboration

Collaboration means extra effort to break through silos, which is important. But the real goal is cooperation—creating an environment with fewer silos, where everyone works from the same source of truth and focuses on outcomes that benefit the entire business, not just their own team’s KPIs.

The Importance of the Right Partners

Aligning a clear vision within the organization is essential, but extending this alignment to external partners like vendors and systems integrators is equally critical. According to McKinsey, only 25% of supply chain leaders feel their objectives align with those of their vendors. Choosing the right partner with AI expertise and a consultative approach can prevent design missteps during implementation and ensure scalable, sustainable solutions.

Adopting AI in supply chains goes beyond implementing technology—it requires a clear vision, seamless cooperation, and the right partnerships to unlock its full potential. By focusing on these elements, organizations can build resilient, efficient supply chains prepared to navigate future challenges. Blue Yonder is leading this transformation, helping businesses transition to end-to-end AI-powered supply chains.

Discover more in our free spotlight paper ‘Reorganizing for AI: How Supply Chain Leaders Have To Adapt’.