Why the Next Supply Chain Revolution Starts with Cleaner Data
Summary
L.E.K. Consulting managing directors Chuck Reynolds and Matt Stanfield argue that the next wave of supply-chain improvement will come from clean data and disciplined processes, not flashy AI purchases. Companies should start with business objectives and friction points, fix basic processes and data quality, then layer in AI. Once foundations are right, AI will change the unit of work (autonomous agents, exception management) and enable a ‘smaller supply chain’ through better utilisation and predictive maintenance. The role of the Chief Supply Chain Officer is shifting from cost steward to growth connector, and practical skills (Python, data literacy, factory experience) will be valuable for future leaders.
Key Points
- Start with the business objective — agility, sustainability or service — not vendor pitches.
- Clean, well-structured data and optimised processes are prerequisites for useful AI; sometimes legacy process fixes come first.
- AI alters the unit of work: expect autonomous agents, more exception handling and the need to train teams to trust algorithms.
- Better optimisation and predictive maintenance can shrink physical footprints — the ‘smaller supply chain’.
- The CSCO role must evolve from cost controller to growth connector across sales, marketing and technology.
- Practical advice for new supply-chain leaders: learn Python, get comfortable with data, and spend time on the factory floor.
Author style
Punchy. This isn’t hand‑wringing about tech buzzwords — it’s a strategic wake‑up call. If your team is talking AI before sorting master data and processes, you’re doing it the wrong way round. Read the detail to avoid common, costly mistakes and to see where practical gains will appear.
Why should I read this?
Look — don’t waste money buying AI as a badge. This piece tells you the real sequence: tidy your data, sort your processes, then let AI amplify gains. It’s short, practical and exactly the sort of plain sense ops and strategy teams need to stop chasing shiny tools and start getting measurable outcomes.
Source
Source: https://www.supplychain247.com/article/smart-ai-smaller-supply-chains-future-leadership
