How to Make AI Work in Your Planning Organization

AI is rapidly transforming supply chain planning—but what does that actually look like today? In this conversation, Lori Harner, Vice President of Product Marketing at SAP, breaks down the real-world impact of AI on planning organizations and what companies need to succeed. While AI in planning isn’t new—having evolved from embedded analytics to today’s generative AI—Lori explains how the next frontier, agentic AI, is taking things further. AI agents are no longer just assisting with tasks; they’re enabling end-to-end, cross-functional planning by augmenting workflows and even autonomously executing certain processes across the supply chain. But AI alone isn’t enough. Lori outlines three critical pillars for success: high-quality, connected data; robust applications; and AI layered on top to orchestrate intelligent workflows. Without this foundation, even the most advanced AI initiatives risk failing to deliver value. The discussion also explores the balance between human expertise and machine intelligence. While AI can generate insights, recommend scenarios, and automate decisions, human planners remain essential—guiding strategy, managing exceptions, and shaping business outcomes. The future isn’t AI replacing humans; it’s humans and AI working together to drive better, faster decisions. You’ll also learn why many AI projects stall, how organizations can take a practical, process-driven approach to adoption, and what it takes to build trust and momentum across teams. Finally, Lori shares how SAP is approaching AI innovation—embedding AI directly into applications, co-developing solutions with customers, and focusing on real business needs to deliver meaningful impact. If you’re looking to understand how AI is reshaping supply chain planning—and how to apply it effectively in your organization—this conversation offers valuable insights to help you move forward. 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert discussions on AI, supply chain innovation, and digital transformation!