Inbound Logistics | December 2025

GOODQUESTION Readers Weigh In

AI in Supply Chain Management: How Useful Will It Be in 2026?

7/10

8/10

6 and below

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WILL BE TRANSFORMATIVE— driving forecasting, inventory optimization, and decision-making. It’s also powering digital twin roadmaps by connecting AI-driven

Rating Highly

RATED 3-6 15%

RATED 10 24%

Readers rated AI’s expected usefulness on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being transformative). Note: Fractions were rounded up. Average rating: 8 Range of answers: 3 to 10

RATED 7 15%

forecasts to simulation models for smarter, faster decision making.

RATED 9 18%

–Brett Webster Director, Product Management, Dematic AI WILL REPLACE MOST MANUAL PROCESSES in supply chain management and may become the new operating system.

RATED 8 28%

7/10

–Archival Garcia CEO, Fluent Cargo

TODAY IT’S IMPROVING FORECAST ACCURACY, automation, and working capital eciency. Broader adoption and embedded intelligence will make 6 and below

AI WILL BE INCREDIBLY USEFUL , elevating decision-making and turning reactive operations into predictive, proactive service for shippers and carriers. –Zach Jecklin CIO, Echo Global Logistics AI IS PROVING TRANSFORMATIVE by enabling real-time, multifactor forecasting that goes beyond historical data. It helps manage SKU proliferation, predict demand shifts, and optimize inventory across channels. –Anan Bishara CEO and Founder, Premium Guard Inc. IT WILL DRIVE supply chain orchestration—transforming data into foresight. Its real value lies beyond visibility, in predictive intelligence and integrated data. –Catherine Chien Chairwoman, Dimerco Express Group 8/10 7/10

8/10

MANY AI PROJECTS WILL SCALE IN 2026. For example, agentic AI will automate routine communication to improve eciency. Additionally, AI-driven computer vision will help warehouses process goods faster, reduce errors, and optimize space utilization, raising service levels. AI will be a 10, but that score will vary based on the organization’s AI readiness. –Eric Walters VP, Analytics and Performance Management, DHL Supply Chain North America AI WILL MOVE BEYOND SIMPLE AUTOMATION to enable continuous optimization of entire supply networks through hybrid intelligence (human-AI collaboration). With the advancement of simulation capabilities such as digital twins, AI will provide sharper foresight and adaptability. –Nick de Klerk Senior Director, Head of Business Operations North America, TMX Transform

6 and below

decisions faster and more adaptive. It reaches 10 when organizations fully trust AI-driven recommendations and redesign workflows around them.

–Je Metersky SVP, Strategy and Innovation, GAINSystems

AI DELIVERS MEANINGFUL PRODUCTIVITY GAINS, accelerates decision-making, improves customer service, and reduces waste. But it’s not a set-and- forget solution—strong leadership and governance are critical to achieve continued success in 2026 and beyond. –Ann Marie Jonkman VP, Global Industry Strategies, Blue Yonder

6 Inbound Logistics • December 2025

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