Bill Benton, co-founder of GAINSystems, explains how companies can escape the hype surrounding artificial intelligence, and embrace the technology in a way that brings real value to supply chains.

The proper use of AI starts with defining the specific problem to be addressed, using an “impact matrix,” Benton says. The focus should be on identifying events, and possible reactions to them, that result in the biggest effect on the enterprise.

The goal should be to emphasize speed of deployment and a realistic approach to what’s possible. The action in question is usually “unglamorous,” Benton says, involving relatively modest goals. Objectives such as fully autonomous planning or near-perfect demand prediction should be seen as “later-stage.”

In theory, he says, one could review thousands of possible scenarios and data points, but the wiser plan of action is to narrow those down with the help of AI in order to initiate discrete and relevant actions that complement, not replace, human activities within the organization.

The biggest misconception around the use of AI today is the failure to tell the difference between “science projects and deployable solutions,” Benton says. Some 83% of highly ambitious deployments either fail outright or achieve less than half of the goals set from the start.

The mistake, Benton says, “is not discerning the probability of success in an authentic way, but going for the maximum high.” Instead, supply chain executives should seek “quick wins,” then “move incrementally so that the last success funds the next.”

AI can have an “immediate and profound” impact in creating distinct scenarios that are most relevant to the organization. To a certain extent, its conclusions are based on prior experience, but the technology can also assign probabilities to events that are unprecedented, and for which the business has no planned response.

Artificial Intelligence - You Keep Saying That Word, I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means

Webinar Description

Artificial Intelligence is one of the most talked-about topics in supply chain management today. Yet, despite the excitement, there is widespread confusion about what AI actually is and how it differs from basic automation or rule-based systems. In the supply chain world, AI is often equated with automated workflows or even basic algorithms. But true AI—especially Agentic AI—is much more than just automation.

In this insightful webinar, we’ll challenge the prevailing myths about AI, break down the difference between automated workflows and Agentic AI, and explore how to make informed decisions when adopting AI technologies. You’ll discover why most “AI solutions" aren’t truly intelligent and how to discern between buzzwords and genuine innovation. Join us as we cut through the hype and reveal practical insights on leveraging AI the right way to optimize your supply chain strategy effectively.
 

What you will take away:

• Understand What AI Really Is: Learn the fundamental differences between AI, automated workflows, and basic algorithms.
• Debunk Common Myths: Discover why many so-called "AI solutions" lack true intelligence and how to spot the difference.
• Navigate AI Adoption: Gain insights on how to make informed decisions when incorporating AI into your supply chain.
• Move Beyond the Buzzword: Uncover practical approaches to leveraging real AI for strategic advantage.
• Avoid Pitfalls: Learn how to identify misleading AI claims and select solutions that deliver genuine value.

Speakers:

Amber Salley, VP Industry Solutions, GAINS
Bill Benton, Co-Founder, GAINS   

Moderator:

Robert Bowman, Editor-in-Chief, SupplyChainBrain