New research from Gartner indicates that agentic artificial intelligence is significantly reshaping workforce structures and talent strategies within supply chain organizations.
According to Gartner’s Future of Supply Chain 2026 report, many supply chain leaders expect AI adoption to reduce the need for certain entry-level positions. The findings are based on a survey of 509 global supply chain leaders conducted between July and October 2025, spanning multiple industries.
The report notes that since 2020, AI has played an increasingly prominent role in supply chain operations. Organizations are using AI-driven tools to address workforce gaps, automate repetitive tasks, forecast market volatility, and enhance strategic planning.
Amid geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility, supply chain strategies have evolved to emphasize resilience and agility over efficiency alone. AI systems are being deployed not only to respond to disruptions but also to anticipate them.
Marco Sandrone, VP Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice, said high-performing organizations are using AI to transform how work is structured and how talent is developed. He emphasized that the focus should not be solely on reducing headcount, but on redesigning roles, skills, and workforce processes to enable collaboration between employees and intelligent systems.
The survey found that 55% of supply chain leaders anticipate agentic AI will reduce demand for entry-level roles, while 51% expect overall workforce reductions as AI capabilities advance. At the same time, 86% believe that agentic AI adoption will significantly alter how talent pipelines operate, requiring new approaches to workforce development.
The report highlights potential long-term implications if traditional entry-level pathways diminish. Leaders may need to rethink how emerging talent enters the workforce and gains foundational experience, particularly as aging workforces and skills gaps remain ongoing challenges.
Gartner’s analysis also identified a subset of high-performing organizations that reported stronger customer lead times and revenue growth. These companies demonstrated higher levels of agentic AI adoption across procurement, production, and logistics functions.
Rather than focusing primarily on workforce reduction, these organizations are prioritizing talent reinvention. Strategies include upskilling employees to work effectively alongside AI systems, using AI-enabled tools to optimize workforce planning, and expanding automation to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual processes.
The report concludes that while traditional entry-level roles may evolve, supply chains will continue to require adaptable and innovative talent. As AI adoption expands, organizations that align workforce strategies with new technologies may be better positioned to sustain long-term performance.
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