Artificial intelligence is gaining increasing importance in logistics and supply chain management. According to a study conducted in the summer of 2025 by the Aachen-based software company Inform, most companies see great potential in so-called AI agents for automating and increasing the efficiency of logistical processes. For the study, 114 professionals and executives from various industries were surveyed.
Broad approval and initial practical experiences
Almost nine out of ten surveyed companies rate the potential of AI agents as high or very high. Twelve percent of companies already deploy the technology productively, another 25 percent are in the testing phase. The respondents see benefits mainly in the support provided by intelligent assistant systems that analyze data in real time and independently prepare decisions. According to Inform, this can make processes in logistics and the supply chain more resilient and efficient.
More than half of the respondents stated that they have sound knowledge on the topic. 52 percent know the basics and follow the development with interest, eleven percent are familiar with
current applications. Another eleven percent have so far only superficial points of contact, while two percent have hardly engaged with the topic.
Fields of use and expected benefits
As the most important application areas for AI agents, the respondents named demand planning and forecasting, inventory management, and risk assessment in supply chains. Also in transport planning, production control, and manufacturing optimization, the companies see suitable fields of deployment. The participants expect the greatest benefits from the automation of manual and recurring tasks. In addition, they expect a clear increase in efficiency in operational processes as well as improved forecast and analysis quality.
Challenges with data and integration
Despite the high acceptance, the companies still see hurdles for broad practical use. 67 percent of respondents cite the quality and availability of data as the biggest challenge. Missing data or restricted access often prevent the potential of the technology from being fully exploited. 58 percent see the integration of AI agents into existing IT systems as another difficulty. Around half of the
respondents point to reluctance or uncertainty within their own teams.
Despite these concerns, many companies show openness to the use of AI agents. 57 percent of respondents would work with the technology if transparency and control are guaranteed. A further 36 percent stated that they would be ready to start with AI agents immediately, provided they bring tangible relief in daily work.
Training needs and requirements for deployment
For successful handling of AI agents, the survey respondents demand targeted training offerings. 61 percent want training on practical application, 58 percent want a better understanding of how the systems work and their limits. More than half expect clear guidelines for safe deployment, 46 percent consider practical examples helpful.
In the decision-making process, the majority prefer a joint approach by humans and machines. 46 percent of respondents advocate a hybrid model in which the AI agent develops action proposals and the human makes the final decision. 42 percent favor autonomous decisions in clearly defined cases, four percent would be willing to transfer
operational responsibility to the systems.
Transparency as a prerequisite
For the large majority, traceability remains a central criterion. 81 percent of respondents expect AI agent decisions to be explained transparently and understandably. 61 percent want to be able to intervene if needed, 57 percent desire comprehensible decision bases. According to INFORM, the study shows that acceptance and interest in the industry are high, but the deployment of intelligent systems requires clear rules and well-trained employees.
Composition of the sample
The study involved 114 professionals and managers from different sectors. About 60 percent work in the manufacturing industry, including machinery and plant engineering, in the automotive, chemical, food, or steel industries. 24 percent come from retail, eleven percent from other sectors, and six percent from transport and freight forwarding. Around 90 percent of the surveyed companies have their headquarters in Germany. 31 percent of the companies employ more than 5,000 employees.
The study “AI Agents in Logistics and Supply Chain – Ready for Practice?” is available in full on the company's
