A NEW era of smarter operations is emerging as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms global supply chains, new research suggests.
According to the 2025 Agility Index research study from Epicor, a global leader in industry-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, supply chain organisations worldwide are embracing AI to enhance resilience and drive growth.
The study was conducted together with Nucleus Research and highlights what it describes as a surge in AI adoption across global markets.
The report submits that momentum is building in Australia and New Zealand, with 78 percent of distributors planning to adopt or expand AI in ERP systems.
“AI is becoming an essential part of how distributors in Australia and New Zealand make, move, and sell,” said Graeme Evans, Epicor regional vice president.
“We’re delighted to support this journey by equipping businesses with the right tools and services to unlock productivity and efficiency through intelligent ERP.”
Epicor believes it is a “pivotal moment” for the region in terms of AI integration.
The company’s recent research with Forrester, “Modernising The Distribution Business With Intelligent ERP”, is said to align with the Agility Index study in identifying key opportunities to overcome barriers such as legacy systems, siloed data and change resistance.
“Globally, we’re seeing organisations build digital foundations and AI-ready workforces that empower them to lead through change,” said Kerrie Jordan, Epicor chief marketing officer and SVP of product.
“Australia and New Zealand have the ambition — it’s now about turning that into action,” Ms Jordan said.
The Agility Index reveals that more than 56 percent of global supply chain businesses report high AI readiness, with more than 90 percent investing in AI-specific roles such as logistics optimisation specialists, AI data scientists and automation engineers.
“What’s exciting is how companies are using AI to enhance — not replace — human expertise,” Ms Jordan said.
“They’re building teams that bring context and adaptability to data, which is where true agility lives.”
Meanwhile expectations around return on investment are said to be evolving, with most businesses anticipating returns within six to 18 months.
Success, however, hinges on organisational readiness.
“AI is changing how quickly companies can respond to disruption and optimise decisions,” Ms Jordan said.
“As time to value shortens, those embracing AI today will be tomorrow’s leaders. Australia has a tremendous opportunity to join that wave.”
The 2025 Agility Index study surveyed over 1,000 supply chain professionals across regions including the U.S., Canada, UK/Ireland, Southeast Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and the UAE.