Only 5% of firms expected to automate significant supply chain planning decisions by 2030, Gartner says

Only 5 per cent of organizations using supply chain planning automation are expected to make at least 10 per cent of their planning decisions autonomously by 2030, according to Gartner.

The research and advisory firm said progress toward autonomous planning is likely to be gradual despite growing investment in automation and artificial intelligence, citing the continued need for human oversight and challenges related to data quality, technology and organizational readiness.

A Gartner survey of 243 senior leaders at organizations with annual revenue of at least $500 million found that 83 per cent had spent at least $3 million on supply chain planning automation, including AI. More than half reported spending between $3 million and $10 million.

“Spending millions on supply chain planning automation can expand technical capabilities, but investment alone does not create AI readiness,” said Buse Aras, director analyst in Gartner’s supply chain practice.

“Leaders must establish the necessary decision, talent and technology foundations before scaling AI-enabled planning. Otherwise, they risk funding technology that does not improve the planning decisions that matter most.”

According to Gartner, routine operational decisions such as replenishment and order prioritization are more likely to be automated, while strategic decisions involving network design and inventory policy will continue to require human judgment.

The firm said supply chain organizations should focus on defining which decisions are best suited for AI, improve data and governance foundations, and measure whether technology investments improve decision-making rather than simply tracking deployment of new tools.