Agentic AI: Cutting Through the Noise to Deliver Real Impact
Maria Villablanca
Founder: Villablanca Consulting | Host of Transform Talks Podcast Series | 100 Most Influential Women Supply Chain Leaders - Helping Leaders Cut Through the Hype of Transformation | Gartner Peer Community Ambassador
If you've been following the AI conversation in supply chain, you've likely noticed a familiar pattern: hype, excitement, endless discussions... but little action.
We've seen it with blockchain, IoT, digital twins, and now Generative AI is the latest shiny new object dominating the conversation. But for all the excitement, where's the tangible impact? Where's the real ROI?
Many supply chain leaders are rightly becoming cynical. There's a growing frustration with the relentless buzzwords and lack of real-world application. AI isn't supposed to be just another talking point—it should be solving real business challenges.
Why Agentic AI Is Different
This is where Agentic AI stands apart. Unlike traditional automation or Gen AI's theoretical promises, Agentic AI is already delivering measurable impact in supply chains today.
So, what makes it different?
1 - It's not just automation—it's intelligent execution. While automation follows predefined rules, Agentic AI learns, adapts, and acts autonomously to improve outcomes.
2 - It's embedded in supply chain operations—not just chatbots and text generation. AI agents are already enhancing procurement, demand forecasting, logistics, and inventory management in real-world settings.
3 - It's driving tangible business results. Companies implementing Agentic AI are seeing:
As Vikram Singla from Oracle puts it:
"A recent Cranfield report on the evolving role of the COO talked about how leadership needs to focus on value creation and leverage a lot more integrated/automated technology, across the entire supply chain, to have more quality time on driving supply chains strategically.
Building on this perspective, Koray K?se emphasises in his recent article, "Yes, You Will Be Replaced: An Agentic AI Manifesto", that:
"Agentic AI tools will gradually eclipse humans in certain processes, particularly within supply chain—and that's exactly as it should be."
This isn't about rendering human roles obsolete; it's about elevating the strategic function of supply chain professionals. By offloading routine tasks to AI agents, leaders can focus on value creation, innovation, and strategic decision-making.
How to Move from AI Hype to Real Implementation
If you're a supply chain leader looking to cut through the noise and put AI to work, here are five practical steps to get started:
1?? Identify Where AI Can Deliver Real Value
Start by pinpointing one or two high-impact areas—such as automating supplier negotiations, improving inventory forecasting, or reducing order processing times—to ensure a measurable business case for AI.
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2?? Integrate AI Within Existing Workflows
AI shouldn't be an add-on that makes operations more complicated. Instead, it should work seamlessly within your current tech stack—whether that's ERP, WMS, or supply chain planning tools.
3?? Ensure Your Data Is AI-Ready
Agentic AI relies on quality data to function effectively. Before implementation, ensure:
4?? Upskill Your Team to Work with AI
Technology adoption isn't just about new tools—it's about people. AI adoption often stalls due to lack of internal understanding and trust.
5?? Attend Events That Focus on Practical AI Applications
The best way to avoid getting lost in AI hype? Learn from those actually implementing AI today.
That's why I'm hosting two exclusive events with Oracle, where we'll focus on real-world impact and execution—not just theory.
?? 26 February 2025 – Webinar: The Transformative Impact of Agentic AI in Supply Chain ??? Featuring Vikram Singla (Oracle), Rory McCamley (Deloitte), and myself ?? What you'll learn: Practical AI applications, key industry trends, and the steps you can take today to implement Agentic AI.
?? 27 February 2025 – Executive Brunch (Invitation-only) in London ?? A private, peer-to-peer roundtable for senior supply chain leaders exploring the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption.
If you're ready to move beyond AI buzzwords and focus on how to actually apply it for impact, this is the event for you.
?? Register here: www.mariavillablanca.com/events
Final Thought: AI That Works, Not Just AI That Talks
AI shouldn't be another passing trend. It should be delivering real value, solving real problems, and making a measurable difference in supply chain operations.
The leaders who embrace AI strategically—rather than just reacting to the latest technology hype—will gain a significant advantage.
Let's stop talking about AI—and start making it work.
#AI #AgenticAI #SupplyChainInnovation #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #Oracle #FutureofSupplyChain
Passionate about helping companies transform at the speed of disruption.
1 个月Great article Maria Villablanca. It seems like companies are struggling to hire & retain AI-skilled professionals. Curious if you're seeing the same thing.
Partner - Consumer Markets EMEA | Connecting a People-First approach to Value Chain Performance | Global Executive Search & Advisory
1 个月Worth attending! You're right Maria there is so much theoretical noise around AI vs practical use cases shared between leaders, with clear performance outputs, to learn from and adopt. I can connect you to some leaders making significant (and tangible!) ground in this space in SC if helpful for perspectives. The approach of where and how to adopt Predictive AI vs Generative AI vs Agentic AI is top of everyone's agenda, and we are witnessing the impact on talent and skills play out in real time as this evolves.
Maria Villablanca Great insights! Cutting through the AI hype to focus on real impact is exactly what the industry needs.
Supply Chain | Technology | Education | Sustainability | NED
1 个月Nigel Cox Michael Robertson Dhapinder C. Ryan Dowsett Gary Brocklehurst Liam Kiribathgoda
Insightful take on AI's real impact!