Among numerous generative AI applications, ChatGPT stands out due to its extensive knowledge and simple interface.
ChatGPT is not the first generation application of its kind, but it stands out for its human-like qualities when chatting. As a result, many executives are energized by the positive potential his AI can have. within their organization.
On solving problems within the supply chain, Northwestern University faculty Mike Watson and Kinaxis VP of Industry Outreach and Thought Leadership Polly Mitchell Guthrie need idea generation and thinking. I’m guessing it might solve complex problems. decision making. Will AI have the potential to transform the industry?
In the latest “Big Ideas for Supply Chains” podcast, Mike and Polly discuss how generative AI models can refine data, impact productivity, and the potential to develop more efficient supply chains. Find out if there is
Here are some highlights from their conversation.
Why Executives Are Focusing on ChatGPT
Despite some shortcomings, ChatGPT has captivated the imagination of millions of users. Even if the application lacks robustness or accuracy, the potential of generative AI programs is not lost at the public or executive level.
At its core, ChatGPT uses text to craft responses when you ask questions. It does this by predicting what the next word should be based on previously seen prompts.
Mike said that because of the program’s success, its popularity has led many organizations to start thinking seriously about AI and what value it can add in terms of improving productivity. I’m here. Mike explains: [generative AI] to another level. […] And this gives us another pretext to talk to management about what this means and how it might affect their organization and supply chain. . ”
ChatGPT is now considered a personal productivity tool that can answer advanced search questions. For organizations interested in deploying this type of technology, this application holds great promise in terms of increased efficiency. Many companies are already considering building versions designed to meet their unique needs.
For example, Bloomberg released BloombergGPT. It uses its own rich data to create a large-scale language model for finance similar to ChatGPT. “This is an opportunity for the supply chain. How do you get all the data, all the information in your supply chain? […] Once you’ve typed it all in, you have a natural language interface and you can start asking questions related to your supply chain,” says Mike. “And ChatGPT or a similar tool can query that database in a very interesting way and bring back data that is very specific to my business, my industry, the kind of questions I’m asking. I think it feels like the big unlock for me.”
Impact of generative AI on supply chain roles
While many people are still hesitant to adopt AI and automation out of fear of losing their jobs, Mike feels optimistic that AI will help rather than replace many roles in the industry.
For supply chain practitioners, he sees generative AI and automation as tools that can be used to improve idea generation and decision making. “He thinks one of the obvious uses of ChatGPT and similar technologies is that it allows non-coders to write code,” he says. “There are hundreds of decisions to be made in the supply chain, and for each of those decisions you can ask, ‘Can we write an algorithm to do that?’ How can we automate it? , algorithms require code, so this could unlock the potential for supply chain companies to actually start applying different algorithms in different places.”
This feature helps non-programmers jump into new opportunities within their role without spending a lot of time or effort. For example, if it takes him 20 minutes to write code using generative AI that can automate certain tasks or assist decision-making, the results of that exercise will be positive. Even if the automation fails, the time spent on it won’t lose much.
Despite AI’s potential to help accelerate the idea generation and decision-making processes in supply chains, Mike and Polly are still close to making human intelligence obsolete in supply chain roles. I agree that they are not. “AI still lacks his three Cs: context, collaboration, and conscience,” Polly explains. “Indifference. It can’t be right or wrong. We have to steer it from right to wrong.”
Generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology, but it is still in the early stages of evolution. At the moment, the supply chain leader has a great opportunity to shape it, so the next generation of his ChatGPT-based applications are poised to solve the supply chain’s most pressing problems.
To hear more from Mike and Polly about generative AI and its future impact on the supply chain, watch the full video podcast here.
For additional insights and best practices to take your supply chain planning strategy to the next level, be sure to check out our other recent Supply Chain Big Ideas podcasts.
