AI is evolving so rapidly that if you haven’t already incorporated it into your supply chain, it won’t be long before it becomes an everyday reality. That’s the message implied by Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI, who recently wrote, “We believe that, in 2025, we may see the first AI agents ‘join the workforce’ and materially change the output of companies.” Supply chain executives should take note—these agents won’t just handle rote data entry or basic analytics; they have the potential to replace entire roles, from procurement specialists to logistics coordinators.
Unlike a chatbot that simply responds to queries, an AI agent can autonomously carry out complex tasks. Within a supply chain setting, that could mean handling import documentation, negotiating basic terms with suppliers, or even monitoring real-time logistics data and rerouting shipments when disruptions occur. Some scientists have already used AI agents to design and run experiments, prompting speculation that supply chain professionals could soon rely on similar agents to conduct routine supplier research, identify cost-optimization opportunities, or devise contingency plans for sudden demand spikes.
Companies in life sciences and marketing are already experimenting with pilot programs where AI agents take on critical tasks, including drug discovery and project management. According to management professor Ethan Mollick at Wharton, in an “ideal world, this is a multiplier of effort where I delegate the worst parts of my job to AI.” For a supply chain manager, that could translate into handing off repetitive scheduling, continuous forecasting, and vendor compliance checks—freeing time for strategy work and relationship-building.
Still, the question nags: What happens to people’s jobs when AI agents arrive? Most experts believe these tools will change the nature of work rather than eliminate all roles. Altman himself once said he doesn’t focus on “what percent of jobs AI will do, but what percent of tasks it will do,” arguing that artificial intelligence will enable humans to operate at “a higher level of abstraction.” The same logic applies to supply chain: employees may offload things like invoice reconciliation or inventory updates to AI, then spend more time mitigating global trade risks or forming value-added partnerships with suppliers.
Thomas Dohmke, CEO of GitHub, points out that although AI makes workers more efficient, there’s still no shortage of work that needs to be done. Large enterprises might reassign employees to more strategic functions—like advanced analytics or supplier relationship management—while the AI handles repetitive tasks. However, Anton Korinek, an economics professor at the University of Virginia, cautions that over the next two years, “any job that can be done solely in front of a computer will be amenable to AI agents,” which implies that certain categories of supply chain roles, especially those heavily reliant on digital workflows, could undergo significant upheaval.
Industry insiders say that the pace of AI adoption is slower than the technology itself. Many organizations simply aren’t set up to integrate AI agents at scale, especially since supply chains often involve physical processes and external partners. “This is not a technology strategy moment, it’s a business strategy moment,” says Lareina Yee, a senior partner at McKinsey and an AI expert. In other words, supply chain leaders must adjust operations, training, and corporate culture, not just invest in another piece of software.
The bottom line for supply chain executives is that AI agents are not a far-off concept. They’re already being tested in select pilot projects and could soon handle a range of tasks that once required an entire department. The potential to streamline processes, reduce labor costs, and boost strategic output is massive. Yet bringing AI agents into your workforce isn’t a simple plug-and-play situation. The real challenge—and the real opportunity—lies in rethinking your organizational structure, job roles, and the balance between machine-led processes and human oversight.
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I think this article is really exciting! AI in supply chains could be a game-changer! Imagine no more tedious paperwork and more time for strategy. It’s like a dream come true for managers like me!
Totally agree, Omar! It feels like we are stepping into the future where AI does all the boring stuff. Finally, we can focus on what really matters in our jobs!
This article just makes me worry about job losses. If AI is taking over everything, what happens to us? It’s not all good news if people end up out of work because of machines.
Exactly, Yuta! We need to consider the human cost before jumping into this tech frenzy. What will happen to those who can’t adapt or retrain?