Autonomous planning is starting to move beyond excitement and toward real-world use, according to new research from Gartner. The company says the technology has passed the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” on its Supply Chain Planning Technology Hype Cycle and is now seen as one of the most promising tools for future planning.

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“Autonomous planning has the potential to reshape how supply chain leaders approach decision making by automating routine tasks and freeing up planners to focus on more complex and high-impact decisions,” said Eva Dawkins, Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice. She added that it can even help “detect and eliminate human and algorithmic bias, such as ‘loudest customer’ prioritization, to ensure aligned, data-driven planning outcomes.”

AI tech at a turning point

Gartner’s Hype Cycle report shows several planning technologies at different stages of maturity:

• Autonomous planning is moving into wider use.
• Agentic AI is just starting to gain attention.
• Generative AI is slipping toward the “Trough of Disillusionment.”
• Core AI technologies are advancing toward real business impact.

The research suggests the supply chain planning field is at a key moment, with AI adoption speeding up and traditional planning approaches beginning  to change.

Culture change needed

While the potential is strong, adoption still faces hurdles. Some companies struggle to fully trust the algorithms behind autonomous planning, and many planners aren’t yet ready to shift into new roles focused on oversight and strategy.

Gartner recommends that supply chain leaders:

• Identify which planning tasks can be fully automated.
• Use AI for repetitive work and improve accuracy through consistent decision-making.
• Train planners to work in decision-centric roles focused on risk, analysis, and oversight.

“Successful adoption will require aligning automation goals with digital maturity and incorporating high-quality, real-time data and broad supply chain visibility,” Dawkins said. She noted that “building trust through transparency and upskilling teams will be essential for driving engagement and confidence in these new approaches.”