Vserve eBusiness Solutions, a global provider of e-commerce operations and business solutions, has released its State of AI in Supply Chain Report 2026, examining the adoption of artificial intelligence across key supply chain functions and outlining the steps organisations can take to translate AI investments into measurable business outcomes. The report examines AI adoption across demand planning, procurement, supplier management, inventory management and logistics, while highlighting the growing gap between investment in AI and the ability of organisations to generate tangible returns. Deloitte’s 2025 research found that 85% of organisations had increased their AI investment over the preceding 12 months, while 91% expected to increase investment further. The research also indicated that organisations typically require two to four years to achieve reasonable returns from AI implementations.
Supply chains are emerging as significant adopters of AI technologies. Gartner research found that generative AI was being deployed by 72% of supply chain organisations. However, only 23% of supply chain organisations had established a formal AI strategy, highlighting the need for businesses to move beyond individual projects and develop structured approaches to AI deployment.
“AI adoption in supply chains is moving quickly, but adoption alone does not create business value. The real opportunity lies in connecting AI with the operational processes where decisions are made every day. Organizations need reliable data, clear use cases and the ability to move from an AI recommendation to an operational action. That is where measurable value begins,” said Siva Balakrishnan, CEO, Vserve Solution.
The study identifies several priorities for organisations seeking to scale AI across supply chain operations. These include improving data quality, identifying commercially relevant AI use cases, connecting systems and processes, and establishing clear mechanisms for measuring outcomes. It also examines opportunities for AI across supplier management, sourcing, demand planning and inventory management.
According to the report, successful AI adoption will depend on how effectively organisations align technology initiatives with operational priorities. Instead of treating AI as a standalone technology programme, businesses will need to embed AI into existing workflows and decision-making processes while combining machine-generated insights with human expertise.
Vserve Solution supports industrial distributors, manufacturers and enterprise organisations across supply chain and business operations. Its capabilities include procurement support, inventory operations, data management, e-commerce operations and other business process services. The company combines domain expertise with technology capabilities to help organisations improve operational efficiency, data quality and decision-making.
