AI in supply chain planning is moving fast.
While automation and orchestration have already started transforming how companies operate, Agentic AI represents a new frontier — one where AI can act more independently, helping planners navigate complexity and make better decisions, faster.
But with great promise comes great responsibility.
Before Agentic AI can deliver value, your organization must be ready.
At Scott Sheldon, we believe readiness isn’t just about technology. It’s about people, processes, and governance working together to support AI-driven decision making. Here’s how to assess if your organization is ready for Agentic AI.
📌 1. Data Integrity Must Be Solid
Agentic AI depends on high-quality data to produce meaningful and trustworthy outcomes.
If your supply chain data is incomplete, inconsistent, or poorly maintained, AI won’t magically fix it — it will amplify the chaos.
Checklist:
- Is your planning data accurate, complete, and up to date?
- Do you have data stewardship processes in place?
- Are key data elements standardized and governed?
📌 2. Clear and Aligned Processes Are Non-Negotiable
AI thrives on structure. If your supply chain planning processes are ad hoc or vary by planner or region, Agentic AI will struggle to deliver consistent and explainable recommendations.
Checklist:
- Are planning workflows clearly defined and documented?
- Is there cross-functional alignment on decision points?
- Have exceptions and escalation paths been standardized?
📌 3. Technology and Integration Should Enable, Not Hinder
Agentic AI works best in environments where planning platforms, data sources, and analytics tools are connected and accessible.
Checklist:
- Is your planning technology modern and AI-enabled?
- Can data flow seamlessly between systems?
- Are you able to test and deploy AI features without heavy IT lift?
📌 4. People Must Understand Their Role in the AI-Enhanced Future
Agentic AI is not about replacing planners — it’s about enhancing their decision-making capabilities. Change management and user adoption are critical.
Checklist:
- Have planners been educated on what AI will (and won’t) do?
- Is there buy-in from leadership and planning teams?
- Do you have training and support plans to build confidence and trust?
📌 5. Governance and Change Management Must Be in Place
As AI becomes more agentic, proper governance ensures decisions align with business goals and risk tolerance.
Checklist:
- Are AI-supported decisions reviewed and approved during early phases?
- Do you have guidelines on when human oversight is required?
- Is there a plan to monitor AI outputs and refine models over time?
🚀 The Bottom Line: Don’t Skip Readiness
Agentic AI offers incredible potential — but only when built on a strong foundation.
Preparing your organization today will not only ensure you unlock AI’s benefits faster, but also help avoid common pitfalls that come from poor data, unclear processes, or misaligned expectations.
Agentic AI is not something you buy and turn on. It’s something you build toward.
Is your organization ready?
Scott Sheldon can help assess, guide, and prepare your supply chain for this next step in AI-enabled planning.
📩 Contact us to start your AI readiness journey.