Companies are adopting AI faster than they are preparing their data

AI is spreading faster than data infrastructure

The study The Supply Chain Readiness Gap, published by GS1 US, examined how prepared organizations are for supply chain digitization. The research found that nearly 60% of respondents had already automated most supply chain processes or introduced technologies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

By contrast, only 38% reported having centralized systems that collect and integrate data in real time. A further 32% still compile information manually from multiple sources. GS1 US said this creates bottlenecks, reduces visibility, slows decision-making and hinders growth.

Technology investments can stall even when the underlying data is fragmented. Some 41% of respondents said they were able to introduce new technologies as pilot projects, but found it more difficult to extend them across their full operations.

Data fragmentation is a major obstacle to scaling

Some 62% of organizations participating in the study identified data fragmentation as one of the most significant barriers to innovation. Only a lack of funding was cited more often, by 63%.

GS1 US grouped respondents into three maturity levels based on data integration, data governance, automation, collaboration and the use of standards. Some 20% of organizations were placed in the high-maturity group, 72% in the medium-maturity group and 8% in the low-maturity group. The classification was based on several operational indicators, rather than the participants' own self-assessments.

Among high-maturity organizations, 81% had centralized, real-time data integration, compared with 38% across the full sample. In this group, 85% reported having a clearly defined and actively implemented data governance strategy, compared with 13% of low-maturity organizations.

Some 89% of high-maturity organizations rated their collaboration with external partners as highly effective, compared with 59% across the full sample. A total of 78% reported strong internal alignment, versus 50% of all respondents.

Readiness is also linked to business outcomes

High-maturity organizations were more likely to report positive business impacts. Among them, 60% said regulatory compliance was easier, 52% had experienced cost reductions and 46% reported faster time to market.

“Technology alone is not enough. True supply chain readiness requires strong collaboration with trading partners, reliable data and standards-based interoperability,” said Gena Morgan, vice president of global standards at GS1 US. She said organizations that invest in these foundations are better positioned to turn innovation into business results, strengthen resilience and create long-term value.

The research, conducted by Redpoint on behalf of GS1 US, included 500 supply chain professionals working in food retail, hospitality, healthcare, apparel, general merchandise and consumer packaged goods. GS1 US will make the full report and an assessment for comparing organizational readiness available at gs1us.org/readiness.