The world of supply chain management is undergoing a massive transformation. With rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, and global challenges, the supply chain is no longer just about moving goods from point A to point B. It's about agility, resilience, and efficiency.
The future of supply chains is being shaped by these factors, pushing companies to innovate and adapt. As the famous supply chain expert, Charles Poirier, once said, "Supply chains are no longer chains but networks of businesses that must operate in unison to survive." In this blog, we'll dive into the key technologies and trends expected to reshape the supply chain landscape in the coming years and provide insight into how businesses can adapt to thrive in the future.
There's no exaggeration to state that every aspect of our business is connected and driven by technology with supply chain not being an exception. In the near future, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will be integral to every supply chain. These innovations will enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and mitigate risks.
For example, by 2025, it's predicted that global spending on digital supply chain technologies will exceed $19 billion annually, according to IDC Research.
Let’s explore some of the most influential trends expected to reshape supply chains.
AI and automation are already changing how supply chains operate. You can expect AI-powered tools to predict demand more accurately, automate repetitive tasks, and even monitor supplier risks. According to Gartner, 50% of large global companies will use AI, advanced analytics, and IoT in their supply chains by 2025. Automation is also paving the way for faster and more accurate warehouse operations, making manual processes nearly obsolete.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is all about connecting physical devices to a wireless network, allowing them to be accessed from anywhere. This way, IoT devices enable real-time tracking and monitoring of goods. IoT improves various areas like warehouse management, fleet tracking, inventory control, and tech and equipment maintenance. IoT can also work with other tech, like sensors that gather data for automating tasks like forecasting and asset tracking.
In 2025, it's estimated that there will be more than 75 billion connected devices globally, enhancing visibility across the supply chain. This interconnectedness will lead to smarter warehouses, predictive maintenance for transport, and real-time inventory management.
Cloud computing is revolutionizing supply chain management by providing a scalable, cost-effective solution for data storage, collaboration, and real-time updates. By 2025, over 60% of supply chain operations will likely be cloud-based, enabling faster responses to changes in demand or supply.
With the enormous amount of data generated daily, harnessing the power of big data and advanced analytics is crucial for supply chain success. Predictive analytics can help you forecast demand, optimize routes, and identify inefficiencies, leading to cost savings and improved performance.
Robotic automation is transforming supply chains by improving speed and accuracy in warehouses and production lines. Autonomous robots handle risky tasks, keeping workers safe. For example, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) use sensors, AI, and computer vision to move inventory, while drones quickly scan and count items to update inventory systems.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) transport loads across the warehouse floor, lowering labor costs and improving scalability. Above all, robotic delivery is on the rise for contactless last-mile operations. In fact, by 2025, it's expected that robotics will handle over 20% of warehouse tasks, according to a report from Allied Market Research.
As supply chains become more connected and reliant on digital technologies, cybersecurity will be paramount. Data breaches can lead to massive disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage. Companies will need to invest heavily in cybersecurity measures to safeguard their supply chain operations.
As supply chains become more complex, relationships between suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors will play an even more critical role. Strengthened collaboration will help companies build more resilient and adaptive supply chains capable of handling disruptions more effectively.
COVID-19 highlighted the vulnerabilities in global supply chains, leading to increased focus on risk management and resiliency. Hence, it is crucial to minimize risks to ensure the stability of your supply chain, particularly in uncertain conditions. Towards this end, companies are now investing in diversified sourcing, reshoring production, and creating backup plans to ensure they can respond quickly to unforeseen challenges.
For example, if raw materials are sourced from a politically unstable region, consider sourcing from a more secure location. This allows for swift adjustments in case of disruptions, reducing potential impacts.
The future of supply chains will be driven by transparency. Companies will need complete visibility into every stage of their supply chain to make informed decisions and manage risks. Solutions like blockchain technology are paving the way for enhanced visibility, allowing businesses to track goods from production to delivery.
Companies are hitting roadblocks when it comes to introducing new products (NPI) due to factors like economic challenges, inflation, and geopolitical issues. To meet the rising demand for faster NPI, businesses need stronger, more resilient supply chains to keep up with rapid prototyping and innovation. In other words, speed is everything in today's competitive landscape.
With the help of automation, data analytics, and faster communication, companies can significantly reduce their time to market. A survey by McKinsey highlights that companies focusing on accelerating NPI can grow their revenues by 25% to 40%.
How Can You Boost Your Supply Chain for Faster NPI?
Teaming up with suppliers using AI-driven sourcing technology strengthens your supply chain, speeds up prototyping, and gets your products to market faster. Plus, early collaboration between procurement and supply chain teams helps spot potential issues and improves material choices.
The modern consumer wants products tailored to their needs, which creates a demand for customization within the supply chain. Businesses will need to implement flexible manufacturing processes and adaptive logistics to accommodate personalized orders without compromising on efficiency.
Sustainability is becoming a core focus. A circular supply chain emphasizes reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials to reduce waste and environmental impact. This trend is gaining momentum as consumers demand more eco-friendly products, and companies are being held accountable for their environmental footprints
By 2025, the integration of these trends will lead to supply chains that are more agile, transparent, and customer centric. The use of AI, big data, and IoT will streamline operations, making them more responsive to changes in demand.
Risk management and resiliency strategies will be a top priority, ensuring businesses can navigate future disruptions. Additionally, the rise of circular supply chains and increased focus on sustainability will shape the way companies, source and produce goods, making ethical supply chains the new norm.
Adapting to these trends requires strong leadership and strategic planning. Supply chain leaders must foster a culture of innovation, continuously exploring new technologies and partnerships to stay ahead of the curve.
Investing in talent and training will be key as supply chain professionals need to be equipped with the skills to leverage emerging technologies effectively. Leaders will also need to balance cost, speed, and sustainability to build a future-proof supply chain.
When we talk about technological innovations that shape the future of the supply chain eco-system, the role of mobility in driving the chain cannot be ignored. Moreover, a mobile supply chain solution has become an indispensable tool for automating various tasks, while also utilizing innovative technologies to deliver greater benefits throughout the supply chain system.
With a mobile supply chain management (SCM) solution, you can monitor shipments, track inventory, and manage logistics from anywhere, reducing delays and improving decision-making. A mobile SCM solution enables faster responses to disruptions, optimizing the supply chain ecosystem.
Above all, a mobile SCM solution allows for smoother collaboration with suppliers, improving accuracy and transparency across the network. As other trends like AI and IoT evolve, mobile supply chain tools will be key in creating a more agile, resilient supply chain.
With mobility driving the supply chain revolution to dizzy heights, it's time for your organization to explore the right SCM solution that works best for your organization. A solution that embraces the latest technological advancements, while seamlessly connecting with your in-house ERP system in the need of the hour.
Towards this end, explore Propel Apps' mobile SCM solution that automates and streamlines your complex supply chain processes for Oracle EBS, Oracle SCM Cloud, and SAP S/4 HANA. This means your up-to-date barcode inventory data is immediately available to your desktop and mobile users, enabling faster decision-making.
Here are some key benefits you can gain from adopting Propel Apps' mobile SCM solution:
To know more about this solution and how it can optimize your organizational supply chain processes, schedule a free demo today.
The future of supply chains is undoubtedly exciting. With advancements in AI, IoT, automation, and big data, supply chains will become faster, smarter, and more efficient. Companies that embrace these trends and invest in the right technologies will be well-positioned to thrive in the coming years. As the world evolves, so too must the supply chain. And with the right strategy in place, your business can turn these changes into opportunities.
