AI Operations Priority: Real Results, Real Shifts
Operations is shaping the next wave of AI adoption in 2026: fewer pilots, more execution discipline. Manufacturing is already deep in predictive AI (48%), supply chain planning (35%), and process optimization (36%), with 94% using some AI. Cloud ERP is a practical enabler (49% simplify IT, 49% cut costs, 48% improve agility). The winners will pair AI workflows with leadership shift, team preparedness, and clear performance metrics—while planning for big AI infrastructure spending ($527B) and the rise of physical AI (58% today, 80% soon).