There’s a growing gap between optimism and execution when it comes to digital transformation in supply chains, according to a recent PwC survey that examines technology investments, artificial intelligence (AI) achievements, and innovation in company operations across U.S. businesses.The accounting and professional services firm released its 2026 Digital Trends in Operations report, which surveyed 767 U.S. operations and supply chain leaders. Eighty-five percent of respondents said they are ahead of most competitors in digital transformation, but 89% said their technology investments haven’t fully delivered expected results.The results reveal widespread challenges as companies in a range of industries—including energy, industrial products, and health services, among others—continue to invest in technologies that can improve operations. The survey also found that:More than four-fifths (83%) of respondents say AI agents and automation will accelerate the breakdown of traditional functional silos. But only 27% say they have fully embedded an AI strategy across business units, and just 37% say they are comfortable assigning AI agents to execute full end-to-end processes in operations.While data foundations are stronger, only 30% report significant improvement in data quality and reliability, and 87% say poor data quality has hampered their progress in achieving value for digital initiatives.Nearly all intend to reorganize their operations, but while 94% of those with siloed or partially integrated operating structures expect to shift toward a more horizontal, networked model, only 41% of companies operate that way today.Respondents to PwC’s 2026 Digital Trends in Operations Survey included C-suite executives, upper management, directors, and managers of U.S.-based…
