Supply Chain Managers

How AI is changing supply chain managers work

6 of 25 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 24%.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Evaluate and select information or other technology solutions to improve tracking and reporting of materials or products distribution, storage, or inventory (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Develop or put in place procedures or systems to evaluate or select suppliers (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Diagram supply chain models to help help with discussions with customers (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Design or put in place plant warehousing strategies for production materials or finished products (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Identify opportunities to reuse or recycle materials to minimize consumption of new materials, minimize waste, or to convert wastes to by-products (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors, or freight forwarders (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Determine appropriate equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, controlling inventory, warehousing, or receiving (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Select transportation routes to maximize economy by combining shipments or consolidating warehousing and distribution (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Put in place new or improved supply chain processes to improve efficiency or performance (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Develop procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Talk with supply chain planners to forecast demand or create supply plans that make sure availability of materials or products (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Analyze inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimize customer service (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Analyze information about supplier performance or procurement program success (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Monitor suppliers' activities to assess performance in meeting quality or delivery requirements (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Design or put in place supply chains that support business strategies adapted to changing market conditions, new business opportunities, or cost reduction strategies (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Meet with suppliers to discuss performance metrics, to provide performance feedback, or to discuss production forecasts or changes (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Monitor forecasts and quotas to identify changes and predict effects on supply chain activities (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Participate in the coordination of engineering changes, product line extensions, or new product launches to make sure orderly and timely transitions in material or production flow (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Identify or qualify new suppliers in collaboration with other departments (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Design, put in place, or oversee product take back or reverse logistics programs to make sure products are recycled, reused, or responsibly disposed (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Document physical supply chain processes (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Review or update supply chain practices following new or changing environmental policies, standards, regulations, or laws (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Design or put in place supply chains that support environmental policies (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Forecast material costs or develop standard cost lists — no recorded AI use
• Locate or select biodegradable, non-toxic, or other environmentally friendly raw materials for manufacturing processes — no recorded AI use
• Appraise vendor manufacturing capabilities through on-site observations or other measurements — no recorded AI use
• Conduct or oversee the conduct of life cycle analyses to determine the environmental impacts of products, processes, or systems — no recorded AI use
• Investigate or review the carbon footprints and environmental performance records of current or potential storage and distribution service providers — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Evaluate and select information or other technology solutions to improve tracking and reporting of materials or products distribution, storage, or inventory”. Try the prompt for: “Develop or put in place procedures or systems to evaluate or select suppliers”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and supply chain managers

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