JBF Consulting survey shows most organizations using AI without a plan

JBF Consulting has released new survey results showing many organizations are adopting artificial intelligence in supply chain and logistics operations without the planning needed to get measurable results. The online survey was presented to more than 2,000 senior supply chain, logistics and technology leaders in July 2026.

According to the report, 78 per cent of respondents said their organizations are pursuing AI without a formal plan, and 85 per cent said AI projects are chosen without consistent criteria. Only 11 per cent set measurable success criteria before starting an initiative, and just 3 per cent measure results against the original business case.

Brad Forester, CEO of JBF Consulting, said the issue is not the technology itself.

“Organizations are not necessarily struggling because AI technology isn’t capable,” he said. “The bigger challenge is establishing the discipline to identify the right problems, build a measurable business case, align the organization and determine whether an initiative actually delivered what it was supposed to deliver.”

The survey found most organizations are still experimenting. Forty per cent said they are in a prototype or pilot stage, compared with 23 per cent that have AI running in the business. Only 16 per cent reported ongoing funding for implementing and expanding AI, while 61 per cent rely on exploration budgets or case‑by‑case approvals.

Leadership expectations also differ from operational realities. Only 22 per cent said leadership and operations are aligned on AI goals. Sixty‑one per cent said leadership wants fast wins while operations expect results to take longer.

Respondents said their biggest needs are preparing data and technical architecture at 63 per cent, planning and managing implementation at 60 per cent, and measuring outcomes at 52 per cent.

“The next phase of AI adoption will be less about experimenting with what the technology can do and more about measuring against clearly defined business outcomes,” he said.

Click here for the full report.