This report starts by contextualising the big picture challenges and opportunities that supply chain leaders are facing, from building resilience, to incorporating ESG, to future readiness, and more.
This report draws on the KPMG Future of Supply Chain Survey conducted in November 2022. We reached out to 300 supply chain executives globally to ask about future trends in supply chain operations, and the key opportunities and issues that companies are prioritising in the short and long term.
In the next one-to-two years, supply chain leaders will likely be occupied with a growing focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments; a new level of investment in advanced robotics and automation; and the evolution of the supply chain workforce.
Supply chain visibility is vital. However,
There is no time to waste when it comes to automation, with
As the supply chain workforce changes,
of leaders are unclear about Tier 1 supplier performance.
already using it to replace warehouse labor.
of leaders anticipate the challenge of labor shortages.
In the next three-to-five years, we expect supply chain leaders will be thinking about the use of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) and digital money (DM) for security and monitoring of cross-border trade flows; how the supply chains of entire sectors will change amid technological innovation; and the potential of the metaverse as a supporting technology.
DLTs, such as blockchain, have largely been viewed as an alternative to traditional money; however, they may have a more important future as a guarantor of trust in global supply chains. Leaders should understand how DLTs and DM could provide traceability and more secure global commerce.
Changes faced by different sectors are likely to directly influence their supply chains and leaders will need to adapt. In healthcare and life sciences, precision medicine will require complex last-mile operations, while retailers need to create a seamless digital and real-life experience. In aerospace and defense, geopolitical issues are driving greater supply chain scrutiny.
Whatever its entertainment potential, supply chain leaders are increasingly excited about the metaverse’s prospect as a tool for designing and monitoring the supply chain, pinpointing weaknesses, and streamlining services in real time.
of leaders describe their supply chain as stable and well-positioned for the future, so DLTs and DM could be part of the solution.
of leaders anticipate it will be challenging to meet customer expectations for speed.
optimistic that digital twins will add value.
The future of supply chain report explores the current context of the supply chain sector and the issues faced daily by supply chain leaders. These challenges range from the need to build resilience, to meeting ever-growing multi-national regulations, bringing ESG concerns into supply chain operations, and preparing for an unknown future. We then deep dive into the six key areas outlined above and explore how leaders can make the most of these opportunities.
Download the full report for more insights on the future of supply chain.
