Paris AI Action Summit 2025: How AI is Redefining the Future of Work and What It Means for Supply Chain Planning

Last week, world leaders, CEOs, and AI experts gathered in Paris for the AI Action Summit 2025 to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming industries. While much of the discussion focused on AI ethics, governance, and investment, one of the biggest takeaways was the future of work—how AI is reshaping jobs, decision-making, and workforce structures.

I wasn’t at the summit in person, but I followed the event closely. As someone who has spent decades leading supply chain operations and focusing more recently on digital transformations, I was particularly interested in how AI’s rapid evolution will impact supply chain planning.

One thing is clear: AI isn’t replacing all planners—it’s redefining how they work.

AI and the Future of Work: A Global Priority

A key theme from the summit was that AI-powered decision-making is now an economic necessity. French President Emmanuel Macron announced €109 billion in AI investments, reinforcing that AI is not optional—it’s essential for global competitiveness.

A major discussion at the "Harnessing AI for the Future of Work" panel focused on how AI will automate repetitive tasks, enabling people to focus on higher-value decision-making.

This is exactly what’s happening in supply chain planning, where traditional methods rely on:

• Spreadsheets and manual adjustments
• Static forecasts that quickly become outdated
• Expensive system analysts to maintain legacy systems

These inefficiencies slow down decision-making and make supply chains reactive rather than proactive. These are a few of the many supply chain planning areas that are ripe for AI-enabled transformation.

This reminds me of how Cosmetica Labs deployed ketteQ’s AI-driven planning solution to automating complex demand forecasting, reducing reliance on spreadsheets and improving agility.

The Supply Chain Talent Shortage—And How AI is Closing the Gap

Even before AI’s advancements, supply chain planning faced a global talent shortage. Companies are struggling to fill key roles, and the problem is growing. There simply aren’t enough capable human beings to satisfy the demand. ‍

• ‍Shortage of Supply Chain Planners
  Companies struggle to recruit planners who can balance inventory, demand shifts, and supply disruptions.

• Shortage of System Analysts for Legacy Planning Systems
  Many businesses rely on legacy planning tools that require highly specialized analysts to configure and maintain. These professionals are scarce and expensive, making it difficult to scale or adapt quickly.

Unfortunately, this leaves many businesses stuck with manual-heavy planning models that demand too much effort while facing a shrinking pool of skilled professionals.

I see this challenge first hand in my work with ketteQ’s Executive Advisory Board. What’s exciting is that AI-powered planning is already solving these talent shortages—by enabling AI and human planners to work together.

AI Agents + Human Planners: Planning for Every Possibility

One of the biggest takeaways from the AI Summit was how AI-powered agents are transforming decision-making across industries. This same shift is happening in supply chain planning.

Instead of relying on a single, static plan, modern AI-driven solutions—like ketteQ’s PolymatiQ™—enable a multi-pass, scenario-based approach, where AI continuously evaluates thousands of possible futures.

• AI runs thousands of simulations, allowing planners to test different strategies before making a decision.
• AI automates key decisions, reducing dependency on expensive system analysts.
• AI presents optimized recommendations in real time, helping planners make smarter, faster choices.

Another example of AI-enabled transformation is how Trimble Transportation enhanced its demand planning process with ketteQ by moving from manual forecasting to AI-powered optimization.  

The result? Better forecast accuracy, improved service levels, and lower costs.

From One-Shot Planning to AI-Driven Agility

Traditional supply chain planning relies on a single, static forecast, meaning companies get one shot at making the right decision before conditions change.

AI-powered planning systems work differently by:

• Evaluating multiple possible futures rather than locking businesses into a single forecast.

• Continuously optimizing supply, demand, and inventory balance.

• Enabling real-time adaptability so businesses can pivot quickly when disruptions occur.

I’ve seen this approach work firsthand with Johnson Controls, which transitioned from rigid planning to an AI-powered, adaptive supply chain strategy with ketteQ. The result? Improved global visibility, reduced excess inventory, and streamlined operations.

The Future of Work is AI-Augmented, Not AI-Replaced

The AI Action Summit reinforced what many of us in supply chain leadership already know:

AI is not replacing planners—it’s making them more effective.

• AI eliminates reliance on spreadsheets and static forecasting.

• AI reduces the need for expensive system analysts.

• AI-driven agents allow companies to plan for every possibility, not just one static forecast.

Through my work with ketteQ’s Executive Advisory Board, I’ve seen how AI-powered planning is already transforming businesses—helping a growing list of companies around the world move beyond outdated tools and into truly adaptive, AI-powered decision-making.

The companies that embrace AI-driven planning solutions will be significantly more competitive and lead the next era of supply chain resilience.

AI is redefining the way we work, making supply chains more agile, efficient, and resilient. The companies that embrace AI-driven planning will lead the next era of supply chain excellence. Want to see how AI can enhance your planning strategy? Let’s connect—reach out to learn more!