The silo effect in the AI age

An ASU supply chain expert explains how artificial intelligence can help address silo-related challenges within organizations.

In this story published Sept. 25, 2025, in California Management Review:

Organizations deploy various structural and procedural approaches to address siloed interactions. But to be truly effective, these actions must first align with the type of silo they are addressing. Then, by layering on an understanding of frequency and impact, and by leveraging AI capabilities accordingly, companies can move from rigid, generic fixes to precisely targeted, adaptive, and high-impact solutions. When all three dimensions are considered, organizations can finally tackle silos with the nuance and specificity the problem deserves. The same principles can be applied across all quadrants: by identifying whether a silo stems from misalignment, elitism, or protectionism, and combining that with frequency and impact insights, leaders can determine not only what the solution should achieve, but how AI can be used to deliver it efficiently, flexibly, and at scale.

– Thomas Kull, professor of supply chain management