ChatGPT in supply chains: exploring potential applications, benefits and challenges

Purpose While ChatGPT is gaining popularity, its potential role in supply chains (SCs) remains unexplored. This study explores the potential applications, benefits and challenges of using ChatGPT as a tool in SCs. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered through an online survey involving 116 respondents from the academic and industrial sectors who have knowledge of ChatGPT and SC management. These participants were affiliated with the Decision Science Institute (DSI) in the USA and contributed to the published DSI conference proceedings from 2019 to 2022. The survey is structured in three main sections: (1) general information (5 background questions), (2) ChatGPT's potential applications and benefits in SCs (15 pre-determined questions) and (3) potential challenges with using ChatGPT in SCs (5 pre-determined questions). The collected data underwent analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Findings ChatGPT can potentially benefit SC operations in 15 areas. Eight potential benefits received more support than the rest, including enhanced process efficiency, cost reduction, providing sustainability reports, better demand forecasting, improved data analysis, streamlined supplier communication, streamlined customer communication, supported promotional activities and enhanced customer satisfaction, but all were supported. Also, the study identified some challenges and hurdles currently impacting the use of ChatGPT in the SC, including that ChatGPT cannot replace experts, it is not an immediate game changer, its uses may lack accuracy, and ChatGPT may take time to reach maturity. Originality/value The study is the first to offer empirically grounded evidence of ChatGPT's potential in SCs. The research enhances academic literature by deepening our comprehension of the potential applications of ChatGPT within SCs. Therefore, the study makes an invaluable contribution to the extant literature on ChatGPT in SCs. It can benefit manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers and other types of businesses through more efficient procurement practices, supplier management, operations and inventory management, logistics practices and customer relationships. Future research may explore how and why ChatGPT is used in SCs.