AI Helps Future-Proof Supply Chains In Australia And New Zealand, New Report Shows

A growing number of businesses in Australia and New Zealand are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to make their supply chains smarter, faster, and more resilient, according to a new report by research firm IDC, commissioned by supply chain technology leader Blue Yonder.

The report, AI-Driven Orchestration for the Modern Supply Chain, surveyed hundreds of supply chain leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. It found that organisations in Australia and New Zealand are rapidly embracing AI and automation to deal with challenges such as supply disruptions, rising customer expectations, and global market complexity.

“Businesses are no longer relying on outdated systems or reacting to problems after they happen,” said Antonio Boccalandro, president for APAC at Blue Yonder. “They are now investing in technologies that allow them to predict issues, respond quickly, and stay competitive.”

Smarter Strategies for a Tougher Environment

Key areas of focus for businesses in the region include:

• Expanding and diversifying suppliers to reduce risks (a strategy known as multi-shoring)
• Strengthening cybersecurity to protect digital operations
• Speeding up product development and delivery
• Improving customer responsiveness and service

The report also highlights growing interest in using generative AI — the same type of AI behind tools like ChatGPT — to improve warehouse operations, employee productivity, and supply chain design.

One example cited in the report is Silk Logistics, an Australian company that has successfully used automation to upgrade its warehouse systems and improve customer service.

Tech-Driven Resilience Across the Region

The IDC report found that nearly all surveyed businesses in Asia-Pacific identified visibility and agility as top priorities — in other words, knowing what’s happening in their supply chain and being able to act quickly. In countries across Southeast Asia, organisations are also adopting technologies like cloud computing and robotics to reduce environmental impact and improve coordination.

Stephanie Krishnan, associate vice president at IDC Asia/Pacific, said that successful businesses are moving away from siloed systems and toward connected platforms that allow them to make better decisions in real time.

“Unifying data and building collaborative digital networks will be the key to staying competitive in the years ahead,” Krishnan said.

Looking Ahead

The report arrives at a time when businesses globally are grappling with supply chain volatility, economic uncertainty, and calls for greater sustainability. It suggests that those willing to invest in intelligent, integrated technologies will be better equipped to weather future disruptions.

The full report findings were presented during a webinar featuring IDC and Blue Yonder, where experts discussed the future of supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region.

© Scoop Media