The New Supply Chain Will Be Agentic

The supply chain industry is witnessing a decisive shift toward AI agents, with 90% of procurement leaders either considering or already implementing these technologies in their operations for 2025, according to recent findings from Icertis and ProcureCon Insights. This widespread adoption signals more than just a technological trend – it represents a fundamental transformation in how supply chains are managed and optimized.

Major enterprise software providers are responding to this shift with sophisticated AI agent deployments. Oracle's recent introduction of role-based AI agents to its cloud supply chain suite, alongside Epicor's launch of its Prism vertical AI agents, demonstrates how the industry is moving beyond traditional automation toward more intelligent, context-aware solutions.

The distinction between conventional automation and AI agents is becoming increasingly clear. While robotic process automation (RPA) has long served as a rigid, rule-based system, AI agents represent a more adaptable approach to supply chain management. These agents can understand context, make informed decisions, and adjust their responses based on changing circumstances – capabilities that are crucial in today's volatile business environment.

This evolution addresses pressing challenges identified by procurement leaders. According to the ProcureCon survey, reducing risk and diversifying supplier bases (40%), managing supply chain disruptions (36%), and addressing inflationary pressures (35%) are among the top challenges anticipated in 2025. AI agents are being positioned as key tools in tackling these issues.

The practical applications are already evident. Oracle's AI agents are helping manufacturing operators ensure alignment with procedural guidelines and safety standards, while also streamlining supplier access to company-specific policies. Similarly, Epicor Prism enables users to interact with their ERP systems through natural language queries, reducing traditional barriers to data intelligence.

However, the transition to AI agents isn't without challenges. The ProcureCon survey reveals that integration issues (88%) and data quality concerns (75%) are major barriers to adoption. O9 Solutions, a supply chain management platform, is addressing these challenges through a multi-model approach, combining public and private LLMs to balance general capabilities with industry-specific expertise.

For e-commerce operators and supply chain professionals, this shift toward agentic AI represents more than just another technological upgrade. While procurement teams are successfully cutting costs – with 64% reporting improvements in maverick spending – the challenge of driving measurable ROI remains, with 62% reporting stagnant or declining procurement ROI over the past year. AI agents are increasingly seen as critical tools for optimizing contract terms and automating revenue-driving processes

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