Business Insider · 21 Sep, 14:34 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

We asked 8 supply chain leaders what impressed and surprised them most about AI. Here's what they said.

Business Insider interviewed eight senior supply chain leaders to understand their perspectives on artificial intelligence.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Business Insider interviewed eight senior supply chain leaders to understand their perspectives on artificial intelligence. The discussion highlights what genuinely impressed these executives regarding AI capabilities, alongside aspects that surprised them during implementation. This report provides direct insights from industry experts on how AI is reshaping operational realities. For professionals, it offers a grounded view of current AI adoption trends, moving beyond theoretical hype to practical experiences. The findings reveal both the tangible benefits and unexpected challenges encountered by leaders navigating this technological shift in complex logistics environments.

Employer demand for Supply Chain skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This report signals that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day operational reality in supply chains. You must adapt now. Technical skills in data analysis and AI strategy are rising sharply in value, as leaders seek professionals who understand both the technology and its practical limitations. If you work in logistics or operations, pay close attention to how AI impacts decision-making processes. A smart professional would immediately upskill in data literacy and AI strategy. Begin by understanding how machine learning models interpret supply chain data. Engage with your organisation’s digital transformation initiatives. Demonstrating competence in interpreting AI-driven insights will distinguish you from peers who view automation merely as a cost-cutting tool rather than a strategic advantage.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Supply Chain, AI Strategy, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.