The transformative impact of AI on future supply chain operations

Ashok, Shruthi (2025) The transformative impact of AI on future supply chain operations. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 15 (1). pp. 446-454. ISSN 2582-8266

This article examines the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence technologies on supply chain management, exploring how deep learning, reinforcement learning, and other AI approaches are fundamentally reshaping operational capabilities and strategic frameworks. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation initiatives while exposing vulnerabilities in traditional supply chain models, catalyzing a shift from efficiency-focused approaches toward resilience and adaptability. The article explores multiple dimensions of AI implementation across forecasting and inventory management, autonomous operations in warehousing and transportation, edge computing for real-time processing, and digital twin technologies for scenario planning and risk management. Despite transformative potential, organizations face substantial implementation challenges including data quality issues, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and ethical considerations. The article identifies critical research priorities including explainable AI models that provide transparency in decision-making processes, self-learning algorithms capable of adapting to dynamic conditions without manual intervention, and human-AI collaborative platforms that leverage complementary strengths of machine intelligence and human judgment. As these technologies mature, supply chains will increasingly demonstrate intelligence and self-optimization capabilities, fundamentally redefining operational possibilities in terms of efficiency, responsiveness, and resilience within increasingly complex global business environments.