Businesses hoping artificial intelligence will solve their supply chain problems could waste their investment unless they first address weaknesses in data, skills and management, according to new research. The study, led by the University of East London (UEL), suggests that technology alone is not enough to make supply chains more efficient or resilient.
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help businesses forecast demand, improve supply chain visibility and respond more quickly to disruption. However, researchers warn that simply investing in these technologies does not guarantee better business performance.
Instead, companies need strong foundations to make the technology work effectively. These include reliable and accessible data, employees with the right analytical and technical skills, clear management structures and well-defined responsibility for decision-making. Businesses must also be able to translate the information generated by advanced systems into practical decisions and actions.
Researchers from UEL’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law and the University of Hertfordshire examined more than 500 academic studies published over a decade on the use of big data in supply chains and business operations. Their findings show that even sophisticated technologies can provide little value when the information they generate is not trusted, properly understood or effectively used by decision-makers.
Dr Godfried Adaba, Lecturer in Supply Chain Management, said businesses should avoid viewing AI and other digital technologies as quick solutions to deeper organisational problems. “The message for businesses is that buying the latest AI or data technology is not enough,” he said. “These tools can help businesses but only if the foundations are already in place.”
He added that companies need reliable data, skilled employees, clear responsibility for decisions and managers who understand and trust the information they receive. Without these elements, he warned, advanced technology can become an expensive investment that delivers little practical value.
The researchers recommend that businesses strengthen their data governance, analytical capabilities and decision-making processes before significantly expanding their investment in advanced analytics. They also highlight the importance of building teams that combine technical expertise with knowledge of day-to-day operations, helping ensure that data and technological insights can be translated into meaningful action.
The study reviewed 508 academic papers published between 2015 and 2026, with 145 selected for more detailed analysis. The research covered areas including big data analytics, supply chain visibility, Industry 4.0, resilience, sustainability and governance. Taken together, the findings suggest that AI and data technologies can strengthen supply chains. Still, their success ultimately depends on how effectively businesses combine technology with reliable information, skilled people and sound management.
More information: Godfried Adaba et al, Big data analytics value creation in operations and supply chain management: a review of capabilities, conditions and constraints, Benchmarking An International Journal. DOI: 10.1108/BIJ-03-2026-0172
Journal information: Benchmarking An International Journal Provided by University of East London