SAP NOW AI Tour: Applications: From Cost Reduction to Autonomous Operation - The Evolution of Supply Chain Orchestration

Steven Chittenden discussed the evolution of supply chain orchestration, highlighting the importance of transparency, agility, and productivity. The session emphasised the SAP Business Network as a unifying "glue" for external partners and the role of AI in proactive impact analysis and moving towards autonomous operations.Modern supply chain orchestration demands full integration across product design, planning, procurement, execution, manufacturing, and logistics—enabled by the SAP Business Network as a unified platform for suppliers, 3PLs, and carriers.By eliminating silos and replacing complex EDI connections, organisations gain greater visibility and collaboration. AI agents and rules further strengthen resilience by proactively flagging disruptions such as late deliveries and enabling drill-down analysis for resolution. At the heart of this ecosystem, Integrated Business Planning (IBP) acts as the “brain,” drawing on ERP data to run impact analyses and drive informed adjustments across the supply chain.