Podcast Summary: How AI Is Transforming Supply Chain Decision Making in 2026
Podcast: Supply Chain Now
Episode: How AI Is Transforming Supply Chain Decision Making in 2026
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Scott Lewton
Guest: Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst, Gartner
Episode Overview
This episode explores the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain management as it stands in 2026. Host Scott Lewton is joined by Gartner’s Mike Griswold for their long-running and popular series "Supply Chain Today and Tomorrow." Together, they unpack key themes and takeaways from the recent Manifest 2026 event in Las Vegas, discuss the transition from AI “theater” to measurable business outcomes, delve into trends like augmentation versus automation, and dive deep into the critical role of sales and operations planning (S&OP). The conversation blends high-level strategic thinking with practical insights for supply chain professionals leading their organizations through this new era.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Fusion Era: Human + Technology Collaboration
- Event Takeaway: One major theme from Manifest 2026 was the increasing fusion of human expertise and technology.
- Insight: Mike emphasized that while AI is widespread, true automation is still rare—augmentation is where results are realized first.
"Deployment of AI against a very specific problem doesn't necessarily immediately result in automation. It does almost always immediately result in augmentation."
— Mike Griswold [00:45] - Application: The discussion centers on how to combine human judgement, contextual understanding, and accountability with the technical strengths of AI.
2. Moving from "AI Theater" to Measurable Business Outcomes
- Trend: The industry is maturing beyond flashy AI pilots to solutions solving real, specific problems.
“We’re moving from this kind of slide version of all the things AI could do for me to real world use cases of what AI is doing for people today.”
— Mike Griswold [10:14] - Advice: Focus AI deployments on well-defined problems, integrating the technology within established business frameworks.
3. The End of Franken Systems: Embracing Orchestration Platforms
- Context: There’s ongoing debate about dismantling siloed, point solutions (“Franken systems”) in favor of orchestration platforms that unify processes and data.
- Perspective: Industry leaders are prioritizing platforms that foster integration and visibility, which is critical for both automation and augmentation.
4. Augmentation Before Automation
- Clarification: Mike repeatedly distinguishes between augmenting human tasks and fully automating them. Augmentation is the prevailing approach:
“Oftentimes what we see is that deployment of AI against a very specific problem... almost always immediately results in augmentation.”
— Mike Griswold [00:45], [10:14] - Human Role: Humans are essential for refining decisions, providing judgement, and knowing when “enough is enough” in terms of AI-driven analysis.
5. Shrinking Gap Between Vision and Execution
- Observation: AI and technology investments are helping companies narrow the execution gap, bridging the distance between strategy and outcomes.
- Insight: The importance of robust frameworks and purposeful, actionable steps is highlighted.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On investment hesitation in uncertain times:
"The caution that we give our clients, is you have to be really careful about how long do you wait and see... Someone else probably isn’t. And you will potentially put yourself at a disadvantage if you wait too long."
— Mike Griswold [15:24] -
On partnering with AI and the risk of new 'analysis paralysis':
“Pre AI... the analysis paralysis was because we had too much data and no way to sift it. I think... [now] technology allows us to process that data... but it also allows us to ask so many more questions.”
— Mike Griswold [19:51] -
On frameworks:
“Frameworks provide the structure around which you want to solve a problem... The framework kind of tells you where do I start, and more importantly, where do I stop.”
— Mike Griswold [24:44] -
On leadership and supply chain planning:
"Hope is not a plan."
— Mike Griswold [32:02] -
On the new role of supply chain:
“We have this thing called a supply chain that can actually be a dynamic game-changer for us... it's a partner for growth, a driver of innovation, a creator of market advantages.”
— Mike Griswold [33:27]
Segment Timestamps
-
Sports & Warm-Up (NCAA Women’s Basketball Trivia): 03:27 – 07:49
A fun, engaging opening builds rapport, transitions into the episode’s core themes. -
Manifest 2026 – Key Takeaways & Themes: 09:17 – 13:51
Discussion on industry-defining trends from recent conference. -
Industry Investment, Risk, & Opportunity: 15:24 – 17:23
Debate over investment cycles amid global uncertainty. -
Audience Feedback on AI & Data Overload: 19:51 – 27:03
Listener (Jeremy Rothman Shore) feedback sparks new analysis on human-AI partnership and risk of over-analysis. -
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Challenges: 29:06 – 33:27
Deep-dive into S&OP obstacles, notably leadership buy-in and measurement challenges. -
Decision Shapers – New Role for Supply Chain Teams: 32:53 – 35:58
Exploring the evolution of supply chain as a strategic, rather than operational, function. -
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium Preview: 36:19 – 38:53
Teasing the industry’s marquee annual event and its unique value.
Additional Highlights
Audience Engagement
- Mike and Scott encourage listeners to provide feedback and share their own insights—demonstrating the value of community learning in supply chain.
Sports Parallel to Business
- Mike draws on his basketball coaching to illustrate frameworks, decision-making, and the value of knowing when to stop iterating and execute—a relatable analogy for supply chain professionals.
Takeaways for Supply Chain Practitioners
- Prioritize augmentation: Embrace AI as a workforce enhancer rather than a replacement—deploy it where it delivers the most actionable value.
- Be wary of “analysis-paralysis 2.0”: AI can generate endless options; effective leadership is knowing when to act on the analysis you have.
- Trust your process: In both sports and business, trust in your frameworks, analyses, and planning—then execute decisively.
- Advocate for supply chain's strategic role: Push your business to see supply chain as a core value driver, not just a functional necessity.
- Network and learn from peers: Engage in industry events to glean practical knowledge and innovations from others facing similar challenges.
Closing & Where to Connect
- Gartner Supply Chain Symposium: Orlando, May 4th–6th, 2026.
[More info at Gartner.com] - Contact Mike Griswold:
- Preferred: Email
- Engage with the Show:
- Feedback encouraged via LinkedIn or Supply Chain Now platforms.
- Listeners are invited to participate in future discussions and events.
“Take one thing you heard here from Mike Griswold. Do something with it. Deeds, not words.”
— Scott Lewton [39:53]
End of Summary