The supply chain world is entering a new era where generative AI is rapidly transitioning from an experimental tool to a must-have operational resource. According to a recent Gartner survey, more than 75% of supply chain leaders expect AI-driven automation to significantly alter their organizations by 2025. In this landscape, HR teams must prepare for changing skill requirements, roles, and leadership styles. Below are six trends that show how AI is already reshaping the future of work—and what that means for supply chain, procurement, and logistics.
1. AI Agents Become the “Killer App”
The rise of AI agents, defined as a fusion of large language models and traditional software, is altering the workforce equation. Deloitte’s Global 2025 Predictions Report suggests that one in four enterprises using generative AI will deploy AI agents by 2025, with that number rising to half by 2027. Mayfield, a global venture capital firm, calls this evolution “Cognition as a Service” because these agents often handle the more repetitive or data-intensive aspects of supply chain tasks, from demand planning to route optimization. Although humans continue to make crucial decisions, AI agents swiftly handle labor-heavy assignments, freeing teams to focus on strategic challenges such as network design, risk mitigation, and supplier relationships.
2. Upskilling and Reskilling Gain Urgency
A study by the World Economic Forum concludes that 44% of worker skills will be disrupted in the next five years, and 40% of these tasks will be impacted by generative AI. This shift resonates strongly in procurement and logistics, where routine inquiries and paperwork can be automated, leaving workers to manage more complex responsibilities like supplier negotiations or exception-based issue resolution. IKEA’s success story in reskilling 8,500 customer service agents into virtual interior design consultants underscores the possibilities when organizations consciously pivot their workforce. Boston Consulting Group has also found that more than half of employees are aware of the coming disruptions and are eager to learn new skills, which suggests that the appetite for transformation already exists if companies choose to harness it.
3. Tech Skills Infiltrate Every Role
Technological competencies are no longer reserved for IT specialists. Melissa Matlins, Global Head of Workforce Solutions at Pearson, points out that technology is “reinventing work and expanding the definition of ‘tech jobs’ to include virtually all roles across all industries.” In supply chain contexts, a warehouse associate may increasingly work with AI-powered robotics or data-driven dashboards to optimize picking routes, while a procurement manager might use predictive analytics to decide which vendors will best handle sudden demand spikes. Pearson estimates that by 2028, over 11 million jobs will require a blend of technical know-how and human-centric capabilities such as communication and judgment. Mastering AI tools doesn’t just boost efficiency—it also cultivates a more future-proof skill set in a rapidly evolving sector.
4. Leaders Must Adapt Alongside Their Teams
Leaders are not immune to the learning curve that comes with AI adoption. McKinsey estimates that 88% of workers who use generative AI hold non-technical jobs. This means that executive and managerial staff in supply chain environments should foster an inclusive culture where experimentation with AI becomes the norm, encouraging employees to share insights on everything from automated procurement workflows to AI-assisted inventory forecasting. Leaders must also keep pace by integrating AI tools into their own daily activities, whether that involves using generative AI to streamline board presentations or validating data-driven recommendations before major capital investments. The ability to be the “human in the loop” will separate leaders who thrive from those who get left behind.
5. Middle Managers Evolve into Human-Centric Connectors
Middle managers, already contending with high stress and burnout levels according to Future Forum research, are about to experience a dramatic shift in job responsibilities. As generative AI handles tasks like data consolidation or basic performance reporting, middle managers can devote more time to people-oriented work. They may coordinate collaborative intelligence among humans and digital “co-workers,” a role that taps into creativity, conflict resolution, and talent development. Leapsome’s 2024 Workforce Trends Report notes that over 50% of workers feel their mental well-being has deteriorated, a concern exacerbated by widespread uncertainty and layoffs. By adopting AI where it makes sense and dedicating more effort to team cohesion, middle managers can counteract burnout and cultivate a supportive, innovation-friendly environment.
6. Entry-Level Roles Must be Reconfigured for Hybrid AI-Human Teams
The Brookings Institute warns that tasks in entry-level roles are especially prone to automation. As AI expands into areas like initial research, order entry, and compliance checks, companies will need to redefine early-career jobs so that newcomers still gain meaningful experience. Molly Kinder of Brookings questions whether employers “will be willing to hire recent graduates as apprentices, to watch and learn—even if there isn’t anything immediately useful for them to do.” In a supply chain setting, an apprentice might oversee AI-driven order processing, check for anomalies, and then present findings to senior managers. These hybrid positions create room for mentorship and skill-building, ensuring that new talent isn’t sidelined by technology but rather learns to harness it from day one.
Generative AI is making inroads throughout the supply chain, from automating repetitive tasks to enabling data-driven decisions that streamline everything from sourcing to last-mile logistics. The organizations that invest in reskilling, cultivate tech fluency across the board, and adapt leadership approaches to this new paradigm will gain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, those that cling to outdated structures risk being left behind as the sector increasingly embraces AI-driven efficiencies.
Do these trends match your experiences in supply chain, procurement, or logistics? Share your perspectives in the comments, and be sure to join the conversation in our online supply chain community, Chain.NET. Joining is free and only takes a few minutes: https://mygs.cc/chain
Wow, this article is super interesting! I mean, AI in supply chain sounds like the future! I love the idea of upskilling and how companies are moving forward. It’s about time we embrace tech! Can’t wait to see what happens!
Honestly, this whole AI thing is overrated. What about human jobs? Are we just going to let robots take over everything? Sounds like a recipe for disaster if you ask me. We should focus on real skills, not just tech gimmicks.
I agree with Samuel! People are losing jobs, and no one seems to care about it. All this talk about AI and tech skills is just a cover-up for the layoffs happening everywhere. We need to wake up!
This post brings up some critical points about the future of work! Tech skills are indeed becoming essential in every job role. As someone who’s worked in logistics for years, I’ve seen firsthand how integrating tech tools can improve efficiency.
‘Cognition as a Service’ sounds fancy but what does it really mean for us workers? It’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of human creativity and problem-solving amidst all these tools.
*sigh* Another article claiming AI will save us all… Leaders need to adapt, but let’s be real—most won’t bother until it’s too late. If they actually listened to their teams instead of just throwing around buzzwords, maybe we’d see some real change.
*chuckles* So let me get this straight: we’re supposed to be excited that middle managers will now become ‘human-centric connectors’? Sounds like a fancy way to say they’ll still be stressed but with less paperwork! What a joke!
If only my boss knew how to use these ‘AI tools’ properly… It’s comical how people think technology will solve every problem when the real issue is lack of leadership skills.