ISG Software Research Analyst Perspectives | Supply Chain and Operations

The State of AI and Agents in Supply Chain Planning

Posted by Robert Kugel on 24 September 2026

We stand at a watershed in enterprise planning activities as a result of the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) and agentic systems. In particular, AI and agents will facilitate the process of continuous supply chain planning through better cross-functional coordination, significantly shortening the time it takes to iteratively juggle and resolve supply and demand chain objectives and... Read More

Topics: Governance, Supply Chain Planning, Business Planning, Enterprise Resource Planning, supply chain management, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Energy, Automotive, CPG & Retail, Supply Chain and Operations, AI & Machine Learning

A Data Pantry is the Foundation of AI-Enabled Business Software

Posted by Robert Kugel on 04 February 2026

I have been using the term “data pantry” (somewhat tongue in cheek) to describe a curated, governed and readily accessible collection of enterprise data that business users can draw on to support the use of core business software. This includes ERP, CRM and supply chain management software, as well as essential business processes such as analytics, forecasting and planning. This form of data... Read More

Topics: Office of Finance, Analytics, Digital Business, digital finance, Generative AI, Customers and CX - Business & Technologies, Employees & HCM - Business & Technologies, Office of Revenue - Business Technologies, Supply Chain and Operations, AI & Machine Learning

Gain an Edge With ISG’s Supply Chain Planning Buyers Guide

Posted by Robert Kugel on 29 January 2026

We are kicking off our Supply Chain Planning Buyers Guide™ for 2026. ISG Software Research defines supply chain planning (SCP) as the business discipline of coordinating the future supply of materials and services used in the creation of specific products and services with the expected demand for them. The purpose of planning is to optimize the flow of goods and materials with related services... Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Planning, Business Planning, supply chain management, Supply Chain and Operations

Achieving Productivity in Sustainability Analysis and Reporting

Posted by Robert Kugel on 13 January 2026

Requirements for sustainability reporting have been undergoing a political shift over the past year, including modifications to the EU’s reporting requirements. The difference between European and North American attitudes to sustainability as a priority, which were significant 15 years ago, began to converge toward the end of the ‘teens but now appear to be diverging. In the U.S. in particular,... Read More

Topics: digital finance, Sustainability Management, Business & Technologies, Supply Chain and Operations

Collaborative Supply Chain Forecasting Faces Serious Challenges

Posted by Robert Kugel on 16 September 2025

Collaborative Supply Chain Forecasting (CSCF) is a business discipline involving multiple supply chain stakeholders, including suppliers, distributors and sellers, that is aimed at producing a more accurate forecast of future demand and supply. Participants share supply and demand data, forecasts, assumptions and insights to improve visibility, reduce inefficiencies and attenuate supply-demand... Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Planning, Business Planning, Enterprise Resource Planning, supply chain management, Business & Technologies, Supply Chain and Operations

Minimize Costs with Supply Chain Agility and AI

Posted by Robert Kugel on 26 August 2025

The era of ever-liberalizing trade that began in earnest in the 1950s (albeit with periodic ups and downs) came to an epochal end in the 2010s. Over the past decade, the ever-more demanding environment for supply chain planning and execution has forced enterprises to take a more strategic approach to managing these processes. The need for resiliency and adaptability in a rapidly changing world... Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Planning, Business Planning, Enterprise Resource Planning, supply chain management, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Generative AI, AI and Machine Learning, Automotive, Business & Technologies, CPG & Retail, Supply Chain and Operations