Chapter 2:
AI in Action: From Insights to Integration
Summary
Pharmaceutical supply chains are entering a critical stage in the adoption of AI. It is no longer experimental – nor is it fully automated. Our survey shows that 52% of leaders say AI provides recommendations, though uptake is inconsistent, while 40% report a balance between AI and human input. Only 8% lean heavily on human oversight, and notably, none rely exclusively on AI-driven decision systems. This highlights an industry in transition - trusting AI more than ever, yet still calibrating its role alongside human expertise.
When it comes to capabilities, the most popular investment is AI-driven demand sensing for new product launches (77%), a clear reflection of the sector’s pressure to ensure timely delivery of breakthrough therapies. Regulatory complexity is also driving adoption, with 59% deploying cognitive automation for compliance documentation, while digital quality control and batch release (48%) and predictive maintenance (46%) are increasingly on the radar. In contrast, scenario planning for disruptions (14%) and demand forecasting models (25%) lag behind, suggesting many companies are prioritising efficiency and compliance over long-range scenario building.
Open-ended responses further reinforce the breadth of expectations. Leaders anticipate AI will detect risks earlier, reduce compliance burdens, and automate routine processes, while also improving sustainability through smarter energy use and recycling.
Many emphasised its potential to strengthen patient outcomes, from personalised medicine delivery to faster recalls and counterfeit detection. Taken together, these responses portray AI as a tool not just for efficiency, but for resilience, sustainability, and trust.
As adoption deepens, pharma supply chains appear poised to embrace AI as a collaborative partner—enhancing human judgment with sharper, faster, and more predictive insights. The next frontier will be moving from selective use cases to integrated intelligence across every layer of the supply chain.
Question 1: How would you describe the balance between human judgment and AI-driven insights in your supply chain decision-making?
AI provides recommendations, but uptake is inconsistent
AI and human input are equally weighted in decision workflows
AI augments decisions, with final calls made by experienced staff
“In our conversations with supply chain executives worldwide, it’s clear that AI is rapidly evolving from an experimental tool to a strategic co-pilot. The survey shows 52% say uptake of AI recommendations is inconsistent, while 40% are embedding AI equally with human input. To unlock true business value, AI must be explainable and transparent to build trust — but the goal is speed. The opportunity ahead is using AI agents to accelerate decisions that directly lower inventory, improve margins, and unlock growth, while maintaining human oversight where accountability is critical.”
Shabbir Dahod, President & CEO, TraceLink
Question 2: Which of the following AI-enabled capabilities are you currently using or planning to implement in the next 12–18 months?
(Respondents were asked to select all that apply)
AI-driven demand sensing for new product launches
Supplier risk prediction and management
Cognitive automation in regulatory documentation and compliance
Automated exception management
Digital quality control and automated batch release
Inventory optimisation
Predictive maintenance for equipment
Demand forecasting and scenario modelling
Intelligent order fulfilment / routing
AI-powered scenario planning for supply chain disruptions
“Executives globally are making deliberate choices about where AI can orchestrate the greatest near-term impact. The survey shows demand sensing at 77%, regulatory documentation automation at 59%, intelligent order fulfilment/routing at 37% and automated exception management at 29% — areas where inefficiencies still stall speed, compliance, and partner coordination. We see companies connecting these capabilities across our platform to orchestrate end-to-end workflows — from sensing demand shifts to triggering production adjustments and automating regulatory submissions — removing friction and helping medicines move to patients faster.”
Lucy Deus, Senior Vice President, Supply Network Products, TraceLink
“When we speak with customers in Europe, North America, and beyond, there is a consistent expectation that AI must transform resilience to protect growth. The survey highlights priorities such as seeing risks earlier, adapting rapidly to regulatory shifts, and ensuring sustainable operations. This is about more than productivity — it’s about safeguarding revenue and patient safety. From anticipating geopolitical instability to optimising predictive maintenance, AI agents are expected to create structural agility that drives competitive advantage.”
Shabbir Dahod, President & CEO, TraceLink
