AT&T Modernizes Network Planning with the o9 Digital Brain

At the Gartner Planning Summit, Dennis Hodgkins, AVP of Supply Chain Planning & Logistics at AT&T, outlined how the company modernized its network planning processes using the o9 Digital Brain. The initiative was driven not by technology interest alone, but by the need to improve planning consistency, data quality, and visibility across AT&T’s extensive materials network.

Why AT&T Launched the Program

By late 2020, the scale and complexity of AT&T’s network operations made it clear that planning processes needed to evolve. Much of the work was executed through spreadsheets, demand inputs varied by field organization, and weekly data refresh cycles limited responsiveness. AT&T began by standardizing processes, improving inventory accuracy, and establishing governance mechanisms. These steps ensured the organization would fully benefit once a modern planning platform was introduced.

Phased Deployment on o9

AT&T deployed the o9 Digital Brain in phases:

• Wireless network planning came first, covering demand, supply, and later allocation.
• Wireline planning followed as a distinct environment reflecting different systems and operational models.
• Wireless spares planning has since been added to the same platform.

Across these areas, planners shifted from fragmented, delayed data to a centralized system updated daily or multiple times per day. This provided a more current view of demand, supply, and inventory positions, improving the speed and quality of decision-making.

Process Integration and Organizational Alignment

A significant change was the closer integration of demand and supply planning. With shared data, shared processes, and aligned accountability, planners now work as a unified team, reducing the disconnects that can arise when functions operate in silos.

AT&T also established a Center of Excellence (CoE) composed of subject matter experts involved from the earliest stages of design. The CoE now champions continuous improvement, supports governance, and enables the business to adapt the platform, reinforcing long-term sustainability of the planning model.

The Value Delivered

AT&T’s planning transformation has delivered improvements across accuracy, efficiency, and operational stability. While the program continues to evolve, several clear outcomes have emerged.

Improved Forecast Accuracy

AT&T recorded a significant improvement in forecast accuracy early in the rollout. This resulted from more consistent demand inputs, standardized processes, and planners having more capacity to focus on understanding demand drivers rather than manually manipulating spreadsheets.

Shorter Planning Cycles and Reduced Manual Effort

The transition to o9 significantly reduced administrative workload. Purchase orders that once had to be entered manually can now be generated in seconds with the integration of the o9 purchase recommendations and the ERP system. Planners have been able to redirect time toward scenario review, risk assessment, and collaboration with field teams, areas that improve the quality of planning outcomes.

Stronger Exception Management

With near-real-time data, planners now receive automated alerts on supplier date shifts, demand spikes, and potential shortages. Instead of discovering issues during a weekly refresh, teams can address risks as soon as they appear, supporting more stable execution across deployment schedules.

Inventory Stability and Capital Efficiency

AT&T has seen more consistent inventory levels and fewer instances of both shortages and unnecessary over-ordering. Refined safety stock strategies and better alignment between demand and supply have supported improved capital efficiency and reduced waste across the materials network.

Operational Reliability

In wireless operations especially, AT&T has reported improvements in on-time delivery, inventory positioning, and shortage rates. The combination of standardized processes, integrated planning, and enhanced visibility has contributed to a more predictable and reliable planning environment for network teams.

Looking Ahead: AI as the Next Step

With foundational planning processes now consolidated on o9, AT&T is exploring how AI can further improve forecasting, automation, and decision support. Dennis noted that the company expects to leverage o9’s expanding AI capabilities as part of its broader approach to integrating advanced technologies, focusing investments where they can deliver clear impact to planning performance.

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