Future of supply chain

Years of supply chain disruption and variability in customer demands have led to a feeling of permanent crisis for many organizations. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and multiple geopolitical disruptions, the world’s supply chains continue to be tested. Yet many have emerged stronger and more resilient.

Macroeconomic and macroenvironmental factors require supply chain leaders to adapt to new realities such as geopolitics, regulatory changes, and ESG mandates. But many of today’s supply chains are not set up to handle the new speed of delivery, customer convenience, and blurring of channel boundaries, so their physical network design and future operating model may require major adjustments.

Supply chains must “pivot or perish” in response to these challenges. Pivoting will require a multifaceted approach that includes advanced automation and robotics, predictive capabilities, cyber security, supplier engagement, and industry collaboration. Leading organizations are already investing in future readiness through the acceleration of their digital foundations.

Our latest Future of supply Chain report looks at the big picture challenges and opportunities that supply chain leaders are facing, from building resilience, to incorporating ESG, to future readiness. Through a survey of 300 global supply chain professionals, we’ve uncovered six key themes that can provide guidance on where you should invest your time and energy now, while preparing to make the most of emerging trends.

Three years ago, an ESG program was a “nice to have.” Now, it’s a “must have.”

The supply chain was once highly manual. Now, it’s increasingly automated.

We’re seeing humans and robots collaborate in new and innovative ways.

DLTs may have an important future as a guarantor of trust in global supply chains.

Changes faced by different sectors are likely to directly influence their supply chains.

Supply chain leaders are excited about the metaverse as a tool for monitoring the supply chain.

Those leading the way are building resilience, meeting ever-growing multinational regulations, bringing ESG concerns into supply chain operations, and preparing for an unknown future. Contact us to discuss your supply chain management and transformation objectives.