While industry giants like Amazon and Walmart invest billions in AI-powered logistics, most mid-market manufacturers still rely on barcode scanners and spreadsheets. According to research from SYSPRO and Frost & Sullivan, fewer than 20% of manufacturers have deployed AI solutions, with mid-market adoption lagging even further. The pandemic shattered the illusion that 'good enough' tracking was sustainable, as 77% of supply chain professionals now consider in-process visibility a must-have.
Asset intelligence systems turn guesswork into measurable control. They help operations teams see what’s happening in-process and intervene before small issues escalate. The result is fewer missed shipments, faster changeovers, safer workplaces, and tighter margins. Importantly, asset intelligence applies beyond manufacturing to hospitals, utilities, and transportation.
The misconception that AI is too big, expensive, or complex holds many mid-market firms back. Yet the technology has matured: what used to require a three-year, $20 million rollout can now be piloted in weeks. As CEO Ed Nabrotzky notes, 'You don’t need a billion-dollar capital expenditure budget to compete with industry giants anymore — just the willingness to start.' The greater risk is waiting for the perfect moment while competitors pull ahead. In ten years, companies still managing supply chains with spreadsheets may not exist.
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