Workforce Under Pressure: Putting People at the Center of Supply Chain Transformation
by John Paxton , Chief Executive Officer, MHI
Global supply chains have faced several years of disruption— pandemics, geopolitical shocks, tariffs, demand volatility and labor shortages—only to reach a new inflection point. While investment in innovation and technology is accelerating, the supply chain workforce is struggling to keep pace.
Ironically, the same artificial intelligence (AI) technologies disrupting the workforce can also help human resources address the talent challenge. Leading organizations are increasingly using AI across learning and development, workforce planning and skills management, shifting from reactive to proactive hiring for an AI‑enabled workforce. Those that succeed will not only close today’s talent gaps but also build a resilient, future‑ready workforce capable of thriving in a continuously evolving, digital‑forward supply chain.
The Q3 issue of MHI Solutions examines the current state of the supply chain workforce, the impact of automation and AI on talent needs and how human resource teams are using AI to drive reskilling and upskilling.
At MODEX 2026, supply chain innovation was on full display. The event continues through an on‑demand digital resource for supply chain solution sourcing, interaction and education via MODEX Digital Entry at modexshow.com.
Another opportunity to stay at the forefront of these innovations is to attend the 2026 MHI Annual Conference, September 27‑30, in Palm Springs, California. Attendees will collaborate and exchange ideas with peers on the most important issues and trends impacting our industry. See pages 58‑63 for more information.
We also encourage you to download the 2026 MHI Annual Industry Report, “Rewiring the Future: A Supply Chain Playbook for Innovation,” at mhi.org/annual‑industry‑reports. The report highlights that AI is now seen as the most disruptive supply chain technology of the next decade, surpassing robotics and traditional automation. It is an invaluable resource as organizations move toward more autonomous and orchestrated supply chain operations.
The future of supply chains will not be defined solely by autonomous systems or intelligent networks, but by how effectively organizations prepare their people to work alongside them. Automation, robotics and AI are raising productivity ceilings—but only for companies that invest equally in human capability.
This issue of MHI Solutions provides the tools and insights needed to develop your workforce and take your operations to the next level in 2026 and beyond.
