Supply Chain Technologies that Empower the Human Workforce See Growing Investments
The 2024 MHI Annual Report, “The Collaborative Supply Chain,” shows companies are leveraging artificial intelligence and other technologies in a human-centric way.
Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation have dominated the supply chain technology adoption conversation over the past year. Recognition of their ability to enhance resilience amid unpredictability and improve environmental responsibility has contributed to companies’ increased investment in these innovative solutions.
Now, supply chain organizations’ focus is on leveraging these technologies in a human-centric, collaborative way that empowers workers to be more productive and make better decisions.
This was the overarching trend uncovered in the 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report, produced in collaboration with Deloitte, titled “The Collaborative Supply Chain: Tech-Driven and Human-Centric.”
The current focus on technology in supply chains is clear and undeniable. The companies that deploy these technologies most successfully, also recognize that supply chains are run by people. They prioritize this human-centricity, which is key.
Supply Chain Leaders Share Biggest Challenges, Investment Plans
When asked about the supply chain challenges these leaders face, price increases from inflation (53%) was at the top of the list followed by the talent shortage (52%), customer demands (51%), insight into customer behavior (50%), and supply chain disruptions and shortages (50%).
In terms of investment plans, 55% of supply chain leaders have increased their supply chain technology and innovation budgets. Further, 88% plan to spend more than $1 million and 42% have allocated more than $10 million for supply chain investments.
Across the board, businesses are increasing the adoption of all the 11 digital supply chain technologies covered in the report and are applying human-centric strategies when using these technologies.
Digital solutions are being used to enable decision-making and visibility into data (44%); to improve long-term resiliency and sustainability (42%); to achieve higher efficiency and operational optimization (40%); to empower the human workforce (39%); to manage daily activities (29%); and to enhance personnel safety (22%).
AI adoption and interest are at historic levels, with 85% of survey respondents reporting plans to incorporate AI technologies within the next five years. AI is already used in supply chain areas, such as demand forecasting, maintenance planning, scenario analysis and optimization, and supplier assessments.
Additionally, 47% of those surveyed report an increased focus on using AI for decision-making. However, supply chains are not relying on AI to make critical decisions. Rather, it’s being used as a tool to help humans make more informed decisions as part of a collaborative supply chain.
The report is available as a free download at mhi.org/publications/report. MHI is currently conducting the survey for the 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report. To participate, add your input at: surveymonkey.com/r/AIR2025.
Five Trends Impacting Supply Chains
The survey also asked supply chain leaders to identify the key trends they expect will impact their operations moving forward. The top five were:
1. Supply Chain Agility
2. Rising Costs
3. Workforce
4. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
5. Visibility and Transparency
To discover AI and other cutting-edge technologies propelling the supply chain forward, visit ProMat 2025.