AI is genuinely useful in supply chain and operations work — and most of what’s written about it is either hype or demos. This hub documents practical AI workflows that survive contact with real work: document handling, supplier communication, data analysis, content operations and process automation.
Every workflow published here is one I actually run. If it stopped working, the article says so.
AI Tools & Workflow
Concrete workflows with the prompts, tools and failure modes included — from analysing supplier quotations to processing compliance documents, with honest notes on where human review is non-negotiable.
Process Optimisation
The unglamorous discipline that makes AI useful: mapping the process first, removing steps that shouldn’t exist, and only then automating what remains.
Data & Automation Practice
Getting operational data out of scattered systems and into decisions — inventory signals, sales patterns and supplier performance — without building an IT department.
Latest in AI & Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need technical staff to use these workflows?
Mostly no. The workflows here favour off-the-shelf tools and simple automation over custom software. Where something does need technical setup, the article says so upfront and estimates the effort honestly.
Is it safe to put supplier and pricing data into AI tools?
Only with deliberate choices: understand the tool’s data retention terms, anonymise what can be anonymised, and keep genuinely sensitive negotiations out of third-party tools. Data handling is part of every workflow published here.
Where should a small importer start with AI?
With the repetitive text-heavy work: supplier emails, document summaries and product content. It’s low-risk, saves hours immediately, and teaches your team how to supervise AI output before you trust it with anything harder.
Need help with sourcing or compliance?
I work with a small number of automotive businesses on sourcing, compliance and supply chain problems. Tell me what you are working on.