Investment Timing and 'Trust the Process'

Global supply chains are at an inflection point as geopolitical uncertainty collides with rapid AI advancement and rising performance expectations. Leaders must decide when to invest, where to modernize, and how to stay ahead.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, to reflect on insights from Manifest 2026 and the evolving role of supply chain leadership. Together, they explore practical AI adoption, the growing importance of augmentation over automation, and how supply chains are stepping into more strategic, decision-shaping roles.

Scott and Mike discuss the shift from AI experimentation to real-world use cases that solve specific business problems. They emphasize the importance of integrating technology with strong processes, particularly in Sales and Operations Planning, and maintaining clarity between planning and execution. The conversation concludes with perspectives on investment timing, competitive advantage, and how leaders can confidently navigate uncertainty while building stronger, more resilient supply chains.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:26) Coaching championship and basketball trivia showdown

(06:20) Sports nostalgia and shifting into supply chain mode

(07:30) Manifest 2026 and five major supply chain technology themes

(09:29) Moving from AI theater to real-world use cases

(13:16) Investment hesitation and navigating market uncertainty

(17:03) “We never lacked data,” and the rise of new analysis paralysis

(21:55) Using frameworks and knowing when enough insight is enough

(26:47) Why S&OP struggles with executive support

(29:56) S&OP versus S&OE and avoiding tactical drift

(31:22) How the supply chain became a strategic decision shaper

(35:42) Why the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium is a must-attend event

(38:19) How to connect with Mike and a deeds not words challenge

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Mike Griswold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-griswold-6a68922/
2. Connect with Mike through email: mike.griswold@gartner.com
3. Learn more about Gartner: https://www.gartner.com/en
4. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
5. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
6. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
7. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
8. Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
9. Supply Chain Now en Espanol WEBINAR- Visibilidad estrategica en Pharma: control, cumplimiento y resiliencia en entornos de alto riesgo: https://bit.ly/4rku7lC
10. WEBINAR- Talent Management Playbook for Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4uc2OfB
11. WEBINAR- From Months to Days: How AI-Speed Supply Chain Design Is Breaking Traditional Org Models—And Talent Too: https://bit.ly/4ldRn3b

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-ai-transforming-supply-chain-decision-making-2026-1555