Agentic AI: Cutting Through the Noise to Deliver Real Impact

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:

• More accurate demand forecasts that reduce waste and optimise stock levels
• AI-powered logistics planning that minimises disruptions and improves delivery times
• Automated supplier negotiations that enhance procurement efficiency
• Faster decision-making by eliminating hours spent on admin-heavy processes

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

• Where are your biggest operational inefficiencies?
• Which processes are still manual or require too much human intervention?
• Where are your teams wasting time on repetitive, low-value tasks?

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.

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.

• Look for solutions that enhance existing capabilities rather than requiring a complete system overhaul.
• Ensure AI agents are aligned with the workflows your teams already use.

3?? Ensure Your Data Is AI-Ready

Agentic AI relies on quality data to function effectively. Before implementation, ensure:

• Your supply chain data is structured, accurate, and easily accessible
• Systems are integrated to allow seamless data exchange
• There's a clear governance strategy for maintaining data quality

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.

• Provide training and support to help teams understand how AI agents function.
• Start with small-scale deployments so teams can gradually see AI in action.
• Make AI's impact visible and measurable to encourage wider buy-in.

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