As supply chains continue to face mounting pressures from rising costs, ongoing disruptions and talent shortages, the key to long-term resilience lies in smart, targeted technology adoption.
Two members of the Argon & Co team – Warren Proctor, Associate Partner, and Marjan Torshizi, Lead Consultant and Data & AI specialist– spoke at the recent Drinks Association Supply Chain Forum. They shared insights from Argon & Co’s latest supply chain survey and outlined practical ways businesses can harness AI and data analytics to address today’s biggest operational challenges.
What’s keeping supply chain leaders up at night?
According to the survey, there has been a notable shift in business priorities.
“Cost efficiency has overtaken customer service as the top concern for supply chain leaders,” explained Warren. “We’re seeing organisations struggle with rising freight and raw material costs, persistent disruptions and a shortage of skilled talent – particularly in data science and engineering.”
Despite these pressures, many businesses are still relying on outdated planning tools. “A third of organisations are still using spreadsheets as their primary planning system,” he noted. “That’s a missed opportunity, especially when modern planning systems and AI can offer so much more agility and insight.”
Targeted tech investment is the way forward
For many organisations, the challenge isn’t whether to invest in AI – it’s knowing where to start. Marjan, who is one of the leads for Argon & Co’s AI and data capability, emphasised the importance of clearly defined use cases.
“AI isn’t about solving everything at once,” she said. “It’s about starting with one high-value problem and building from there.”
Marjan highlighted master data management as one of the most impactful starting points. “Poor data quality drives costs and inefficiencies across the value chain. AI can now identify and fix inconsistencies at speed – whether it’s flagging incorrect freight billing data or harmonising product catalogues after a merger.”
Real-world examples of AI in action
We have already seen success helping our Agron & Co clients deploy AI in areas like demand planning, warehouse slotting and customer operations. In one case, a global beverage company used AI to automatically process complex customer orders submitted via email. The result? A 70% reduction in processing time – with no increase in team size. Essentially, AI can help you scale revenue without a proportionate scale in organisation size.
Another example saw AI applied to scenario planning, evolving from static Excel models to real-time digital twin orchestration. “This allows businesses to simulate disruptions and prescribe optimal responses in real time,” said Warren. “But human oversight is still essential – particularly for edge cases or anomalies.”
The foundation is still people and process
While AI is a powerful tool, both speakers agreed it’s not a silver bullet. “You need strong processes, clear governance and a commitment to data quality,” said Marjan. “Technology is the enabler – but transformation only sticks when people are brought along for the journey.”
Warren echoed this sentiment: “To move from risk to resilience, start small, be clear on your goals and prove the value early. That’s how you build momentum – and long-term success.”
Argon & Co is a Gold Partner of the Drinks Association.