ISG: Control towers are evolving from monitoring platforms into AI-powered orchestration hubs

Under pressure from an array of market forces, enterprise companies are using AI-powered control towers as a tool to elevate supply chain transformation from an operational initiative to a strategic business imperative, according to a report from the technology research and advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG).

Companies are making that adjustment as forces such as geopolitical instability, changing trade policies, inflation, and labor shortages are exposing weaknesses in traditional supply chain models, the firm said in its “2026 ISG Provider Lens global Supply Chain Services” report.

In response, enterprises face growing pressure to improve service levels, optimize inventory positions, reduce costs, and respond quickly to market changes. They also need to manage increasingly complex networks of suppliers, operations, and distribution partners while meeting new sustainability expectations.

To meet those needs, organizations are modernizing core supply chain operations to improve scalability and responsiveness. They are building integrated planning environments to enable scenario-based decision-making and demand sensing, while using cloud-enabled platforms and hyperautomation to link workflows and reduce manual work.

This story was originally published by Supply Chain Quarterly. Read the full story at Supply Chain Quarterly →