Austin, TX – 26 Agustus 2025
A survey of supply chain decision-makers reveals that organizations are increasingly adopting AI-driven workflows, recruiting specialized AI talent, and prioritizing data-based investments to address disruptions.
According to the 2025 Agility Index study released by Epicor in collaboration with Nucleus Research, AI is no longer just an experiment—it is reshaping how supply chain companies prioritize investments in operations, talent, and data.
“AI has become an essential tool helping supply chain businesses anticipate and respond to inevitable change,” said Kerrie Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Product at Epicor. “We’re seeing organizations unlock agility to lead through disruption—not only by adopting AI but by building the digital foundation and workforce that supports it.”
The study found that over 56% of surveyed supply chain businesses reported high AI readiness levels, with many already scaling AI across operations and modernizing data systems to enhance agility and reliability. Among this group, over 90% are actively building or investing in specialized AI roles, signaling that organizations already using AI are also developing dedicated AI talent pipelines.
AI is proving to drive smarter decision-making without replacing human roles. The most in-demand positions include AI Logistics & Route Optimization Specialists (38.0%), Supply Chain AI Data Scientists (37.2%), and AI Automation Engineers (35.4%). Companies conducting geopolitical “what-if” simulations reported even higher AI hiring rates. These roles are not confined to R&D or pilot projects—they are embedded directly within planning, fulfillment, and logistics functions.
“What’s changing is how companies view AI—not as a human replacement, but as a means to empower people,” Jordan added. “They are hiring talent that brings context and adaptability to data—that’s where true agility lies.”
More organizations are now investing in platforms that can connect and analyze operational data. Such systems—adopted by over 50.6% of respondents—have become the most widely used data intelligence tools among digitally mature organizations. Companies using these platforms are 1.4 times more likely to adopt AI applications. This indicates that many organizations are re-evaluating their planning, response, and daily operations—transforming agility from a temporary advantage into a strategic capability.
Globally, companies are strengthening scenario planning and supply chain resilience to cope with rising uncertainty. In Southeast Asia, for example, 61% of respondents identified trade restrictions as their biggest risk, while 73% said they are actively reshaping their sourcing strategies. Similar trends are emerging worldwide, with companies leveraging forecasting tools and talent to anticipate and prepare for disruption.
Expectations for ROI have also matured, reflecting lessons learned from previous technology adoptions. The majority of respondents now expect to see returns within 6 to 18 months. However, going forward, organizations cannot treat AI as a standalone technology project. Success will depend on organizational readiness, leadership engagement, and the ability to operationalize predictive insights.
“Investments in AI and data-driven platforms are transforming how quickly companies can respond to disruption and optimize decision-making,” Jordan continued. “As AI matures and time-to-value approaches zero, these companies will outperform their competitors—making decisions in minutes, not months—with systems that adapt as fast as the market changes.”
