Three things — the three “C’s” in Gartner parlance — are necessary if a company is to be prepared to launch an AI initiative, Reyes says: contextualization, connection and continuity. “You have to get your data contextualized, making sure it's aligned specifically with the problem that AI needs to solve,” Reyes explains. “We talk about AI being connected, meaning your data needs to be connected across the supply chain from transportation, warehousing, providers and external providers. Reyes says many processes in supply chain were designed for people making periodic decisions, but AI works best when processes are continuous, dynamic and adaptive. “If you're trying to apply AI to a static process designed for people that make periodic decisions, you will be unsuccessful.”