Top Supply Chain Trends to Watch in 2025

The United States supply chain enters 2025 with a mix of stabilization and new challenges. Marine Digital notes a decrease in ocean carrier rates and a gradual return to normal service levels. Yet, congestion remains a problem at major U.S. and European ports. Companies are shifting from crisis management to focused execution in logistics, procurement, and technology.

There’s a renewed focus on data-driven operations. Ivanti’s survey shows a surge in digital skills, mobile workflows, and automated picking. These efforts aim to boost efficiency and cut down on errors. Simultaneously, the threat of software supply chain attacks has skyrocketed, posing significant risks to the U.S. supply chain’s operations and compliance.

Digital transformation is key to defining cost and service outcomes in 2025. Companies are embracing AI for planning, IoT for real-time monitoring, cloud-based SCM, and digital twins for better forecasting and asset use. Sustainability is also on the rise, with circular models, reverse logistics, and emissions tracking becoming more common. These efforts align financial goals with regulatory and customer expectations.

These trends outline a strategic plan for 2025: streamline transportation, adjust inventory levels, diversify sources to the U.S. and Mexico, and fortify against geopolitical and inflationary risks. The following sections offer detailed insights to guide decisions in procurement, logistics, and technology trends for 2025 success.

Shifting from Survival to Growth in Logistics and Procurement

U.S. operators are transitioning from crisis management to strategic growth. The current supply chain landscape offers opportunities for incremental improvements. Logistics and procurement trends now focus on reliability, cost reduction, and more efficient contracts. Managers are aligning their strategies with stable transportation rates and enhanced performance metrics.

Carrier rates easing and service improvements across sea and land

Marine Digital reports a decrease in transportation rates as demand stabilizes and capacity increases. Ocean and trucking networks are experiencing more consistent schedules, leading to better on-time delivery. This shift allows shippers to optimize costs without compromising service quality.

With labor pressures easing, ports and rail systems are handling goods more efficiently. This reduction in dwell and detention fees leads to lower variability and healthier lead times. As a result, shippers can secure better tender acceptance from contracted carriers.

Balancing short-term volatility with long-term strategy

Despite the improvement, some volatility remains. The focus is on securing value through deals that align with logistics trends but avoid overreacting to short-term price changes. Procurement trends favor long-term agreements with clauses that adjust for rate changes, protecting against sudden increases.

Ivanti emphasizes the importance of productivity tools, real-time visibility, and efficient workflows. These elements help maintain cost savings and performance management in distribution and fulfillment.

Inventory right-sizing after pandemic-era stockpiling

Companies are moving from excessive stockpiling to right-sized inventory levels. Teams are reducing safety stock where possible, cutting costs and minimizing obsolescence while maintaining service levels. Strong demand sensing and cycle counting ensure assets remain productive and aligned with supply chain trends.

Organizations are pairing SKU reduction with replenishment strategies that reflect current transportation rates and lead times. This approach results in reduced working capital and procurement trends that favor stable volumes and reliable suppliers.

Port Congestion and Transportation Capacity Outlook

Marine Digital reports that elevated port congestion on the U.S. West Coast has spread to New York–New Jersey, Savannah, and major European hubs. This has caused ripple effects across Asian load ports. Container and vessel shortages at origin points have constrained carrier capacity and distorted schedules. This has affected maritime logistics from Los Angeles to Rotterdam.

Based on 2022 queue lengths and published container line timetables, the evaluation indicates limited near-term relief. Even as spot rates eased, transportation capacity improved inland. Yet, terminal dwell times and chassis imbalances kept flows uneven. These logistics trends show varied conditions by lane and gateway.

Network planners are adopting diversified gateways, including Oakland, Virginia, and Houston, to offset bottlenecks. This strategy safeguards carrier capacity during volume swings. Tactical routing, off-peak drayage, and rail transloads help align maritime logistics with inland service windows and asset availability.

Shippers are using dynamic capacity planning to counter equipment traps at destination ports. Blended procurement—fixed allotments with index-linked slots—supports transportation capacity in peak weeks. Flexible carrier mixes also reduce exposure when port congestion flares at specific terminals.

Operational focus centers on container turns, dwell metrics, and schedule reliability. Firms leverage improved inland transit to reset buffers while monitoring vessel arrival variability and yard utilization. These logistics trends guide allocations across ports and service strings without locking into a single corridor.

Practical steps include tighter EDI milestone tracking, arrival windows aligned with rail cutoffs, and contingency slots through multiple ocean alliances. As maritime logistics adjusts, disciplined forecasting and agile booking keep carrier capacity aligned with real demand.

• Use alternative gateways when berth delays exceed target thresholds.
• Balance fixed and flexible contracts to preserve transportation capacity.
• Prioritize lanes with stable schedule reliability to curb cascading port congestion.
• Align chassis supply and yard operations with weekly volume forecasts.

Reshoring and Nearshoring Strategies Redefining Sourcing

Manufacturers are rethinking their sourcing strategies to avoid the risks of long, unpredictable ocean routes. Marine Digital notes a significant shift towards reshoring and nearshoring. These strategies prioritize speed, control, and risk reduction over just cost savings. This change is reshaping procurement trends and how companies evaluate total costs.

Trade-offs: higher unit costs vs. shorter lead times

In North America, unit costs might be higher than in East Asia. Yet, the advantage of shorter lead times is significant. It reduces the need for safety stock and lowers carrying costs. Faster production cycles also minimize demand distortion and markdown risks.

Teams now consider service-level probability and transit time variability in their sourcing strategies. With more predictable schedules, they can improve forecast accuracy and lower inventory buffers. This approach balances cost, time, and reliability equally.

Mexico and U.S. production moves to bypass Asia backlogs

Brands in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods are increasing production in Mexico and the U.S. to avoid Asia’s port backlogs and geopolitical risks. Laredo and Otay Mesa offer reliable transit and customs processing, improving order reliability.

This shift allows for tighter production planning and quicker engineering changes. Near-plant ecosystems in Monterrey, Chihuahua, Texas, and the Midwest enhance redundancy and simplify compliance. This reinforces nearshoring as a strategic operational choice.

Impact on procurement trends and supplier diversification

Companies are expanding their supplier bases beyond single regions. They split volumes between Mexico, the U.S., and select Asia nodes to manage risk. Contracts now include capacity options, indexed pricing, and service-level agreements.

Risk-adjusted bids consider corridor reliability, inventory turns, and duty exposure. This method promotes resilient supplier portfolios. Reshoring and nearshoring are key strategies within a regionalized network design.

Geopolitics, Inflation, and Risk Management Trends

Marine Digital reports that the Russia–Ukraine war continues to disrupt grain, energy, and metals flows. This is while shifting U.S.–China trade dynamics reshape routing and sourcing. This mix of geopolitical risk and inflation risk raises the stakes for procurement and logistics leaders. They seek supply chain resilience without eroding margins.

War-related disruptions and shifting U.S.–China trade dynamics

Black Sea shipping remains volatile, with reroutes adding days and cost to transit. Sanctions and export controls increase paperwork and payment risk. U.S. buyers diversify imports from China toward Mexico, Vietnam, and India, according to data trends cited by the U.S. Census Bureau. These moves reflect risk management trends that cut exposure to sudden policy changes.

Building resilient networks with multi-source and friend-shoring

Enterprises add dual and triple sourcing for critical SKUs, pairing regional suppliers with established incumbents. Friend-shoring with partners in Mexico and Canada aligns with USMCA rules and reduces tariff uncertainty. This approach supports supply chain resilience while moderating total landed cost through shorter lead times and lower buffer inventory.

Scenario planning and digital risk assessment

Operators deploy scenario planning with real-time data from platforms such as SAP, Oracle, and Coupa. They test contingencies for port closures, fuel spikes, and currency swings. Digital twins and predictive alerts quantify inflation risk on freight and materials, helping teams adjust carrier mix, safety stock, and routing before service degrades. These practices formalize risk management trends and tighten governance across technology and partners.

• Key drivers: geopolitical risk, sanctions exposure, and policy shifts
• Tactics: multi-source contracts, friend-shoring, and near-market staging
• Tools: network simulation, digital twins, and cross-border visibility

Labor Shortages, Workforce Efficiency, and Digital Upskilling

U.S. distribution centers face ongoing labor shortages as throughput targets increase. To address this, companies are integrating process discipline with mobile technology. This approach aims to enhance workforce efficiency and maintain warehouse productivity without increasing headcount.

Key stats: training time, turnover, and upskilling needs

Ivanti’s survey of 208 supply chain professionals revealed that workforce issues are the top challenge. Training time and high turnover rates were highlighted by 52% and 50% respectively. Digital upskilling needs were noted by 41% of respondents.

Concerns about worker efficiency are decreasing, with 48% of respondents reporting a decline from 55%. The use of targeted tools is seen as a key factor in improving warehouse productivity.

Budget constraints and change management are identified as major hurdles. Buyers prioritize solutions that enhance reliability and uptime, with 69% of the vote. Ease of deployment, learning, and adaptability also receive high ratings.

Investments in mobile tech, wearables, and automated picking

85% of respondents plan to invest in new or expanded technology within the next year. Expectations for automation growth range from 11% to 30%. Handheld mobile computers and tablets are widely used, with wearables and automated picking gaining traction.

This shift in technology aims to improve workforce efficiency. It enables teams to maintain consistent cycle times and enhances warehouse productivity. The approach also reduces the number of touches per order and the training burden for seasonal staff.

Why visibility and intuitive data tools reduce errors and training time

Visibility into mobile asset deployment varies, with 32% reporting less than 50% visibility. Large enterprises often face complete visibility gaps. These gaps hinder digital upskilling and limit workforce efficiency during peak periods.

Intuitive dashboards and role-based workflows help reduce errors and shorten training times. Higher device uptime and clearer task sequences enable warehouses to manage labor shortages effectively. This approach sustains warehouse productivity through the strategic use of mobile technology.

Technology Trends: AI, IoT, Cloud, and Digital Twins

Enterprises are focusing on data analysis, cloud computing, and predictive analytics as key trends. They invest in AI in supply chain, IoT in logistics, cloud SCM, and digital twins. This is to make decisions faster and keep costs stable in unpredictable markets.

AI and machine learning for demand planning and cost reduction

Retailers and manufacturers use machine learning to improve forecasts and identify cost drivers. They also automate order orchestration. Statista shows increased adoption in supply chain and plant operations for proactive demand response and labor scheduling.

Companies combine AI in supply chain with network optimization. This reduces inventory buffers without compromising service quality.

IoT sensors for real-time visibility and asset optimization

IoT in logistics provides real-time data on trailers, containers, and cold chains. Sensors monitor location, shock, and temperature to reduce spoilage and dwell time. Plants use condition monitoring for predictive maintenance, boosting uptime and asset turns.

Geofencing and IoT sensors offer lane-level visibility and tighter cycle control. This helps managers make better decisions.

Cloud SCM growth and faster implementation at lower cost

Cloud SCM enables quick deployment, elastic compute, and shared data models. It covers planning, procurement, and transportation. Mordor Intelligence predicts the market will reach about $45.2 billion by 2028, growing at 11.09% CAGR.

Vendors like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft support hybrid deployments. This reduces upgrade risk and integration effort.

Digital supply chain twins for end-to-end decision intelligence

Digital twins combine real-time data from ERP, WMS, TMS, and IoT. They model plants, networks, and customer demand. Teams test scenarios before executing them in the field.

Initial build can be costly, so large enterprises and high-value flows start early. Then, it scales to partners.

These technology trends align operational planning with real-time data. Cloud SCM is the backbone, AI refines decisions, IoT provides trusted signals, and digital twins act on these signals at network scale.

Robotics, Autonomous Mobility, and Warehouse Automation

The integration of robotics in logistics is gaining momentum, driven by the quest for increased efficiency and precision. Drones and autonomous mobile robots are now taking on tasks such as cycle counts, zone-to-zone moves, and tote shuttling. This has significantly reduced idle time and mispicks. As a result, labor is redirected towards more critical tasks like exception handling and quality checks.

Reports indicate a steady increase in warehouse automation, driven by the promise of a strong return on investment and the ease of implementation. Ivanti highlights the growing investment in automated picking and wearables, a response to labor shortages and peak demand. The focus is on systems that are dependable, quick to learn, and easy to maintain.

Autonomous mobile robots are being integrated with WMS platforms from Blue Yonder, Manhattan Associates, and Oracle. They manage tasks through APIs and digital pick lists, reducing the distance each order must travel. This approach aligns with current technology trends, which favor modular pilots, clear KPIs, and staged scaling across facilities.

Marine Digital points out that the excitement around autonomous trucks and fully robot-run hubs is outpacing current adoption. Most initiatives are taking a pragmatic approach, focusing on projects that demonstrate cost savings, improved uptime, and payback within months, not years. The goal is to enhance labor efficiency, stabilize workflows, and lower handling costs per unit.

Leading 3PLs and retailers are seeing benefits when robotics supports standardized workflows. Facilities are using vision systems, barcodes, and RFID to reduce scan errors and speed up the dock-to-stock process. As software improves task interleaving and charge management, fleets are achieving higher utilization without increasing headcount.

These advancements in technology are leading to tangible results: shorter training times, safer environments, and smoother peak periods. With effective governance and change management, warehouse automation can scale from single-lane pilots to widespread programs. The operating model evolves continuously, driven by data from bots, sensors, and WMS, leading to ongoing improvement.

Cybersecurity and Software Supply Chain Defense

Threats are escalating, demanding strict controls over vendors, code, and devices. Teams focus on cybersecurity in supply chain programs. These programs must grow with logistics and maritime operations, ensuring uptime and safety.

Rising software supply chain attacks and operational risk

Marine Digital reports a 300% increase in software supply chain attacks in 2022 compared to 2021. This surge exposes ports, carriers, and 3PLs to ransomware, data theft, and service disruptions.

Organizations enhance software supply chain security with signed builds, SBOM adoption, and continuous code integrity checks. These steps align with risk management trends, favoring verifiable controls over trust-by-default.

Securing networks, remote access, and vessel/edge systems

Maritime and logistics networks face weak segmentation and uncontrolled internet paths. Unknown remote access by equipment makers and software providers to shipboard and edge assets raises attack surface.

Risk assessments now map remote access pathways, vessel and edge systems, and zone-based segmentation. Teams deploy zero trust, MFA, and secure tunneling to limit lateral movement and maintain operational continuity.

Governance for third-party software and device fleets

Ivanti found 32% of respondents have less than 50% visibility into mobile assets, with some large enterprises reporting zero visibility. Gaps in device governance elevate exposure across scanners, tablets, and rugged handhelds.

Governance frameworks formalize third-party software controls, endpoint and device management, continuous monitoring, and incident response readiness. Investment prioritizes dependable, easy-to-deploy tools with strong uptime to reduce cyber exposure while scaling digital operations.

• Vendor controls: SBOM verification, code signing, and vulnerability disclosure timelines
• Access policy: least privilege, MFA, and audited remote sessions across vessels and DCs
• Network design: microsegmentation and encrypted traffic for edge and OT systems
• Operations: 24/7 monitoring, tested playbooks, and recovery time objectives aligned to service levels

Control Area	Primary Risk Addressed	Key Action	Operational Benefit
Software supply chain security	Compromised builds and updates	SBOM review, signed artifacts, CI/CD integrity checks	Lower breach probability and faster patch validation
Remote access governance	Unauthorized vendor entry	MFA, session recording, time-bound credentials	Reduced lateral movement and clearer audit trails
Network segmentation	Propagation across OT/IT zones	Microsegmentation and least-route pathways	Containment of incidents on vessels and at the edge
Device governance	Unmanaged scanners and mobile endpoints	Unified endpoint management and real-time telemetry	Higher visibility and faster incident response
Monitoring and response	Delayed detection and recovery	Continuous monitoring and rehearsed playbooks	Shorter dwell time and controlled downtime

Supply Chain Trends and Sustainability: Circular and Low-Carbon Operations

Marine Digital notes a significant shift: buyers and regulators demand clear climate action. Brands are now focusing on low-carbon logistics, expanding their circular supply chains, and standardizing emissions measurement. This is to meet market and policy demands while keeping their margins intact.

U.S. companies face intense scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. Retail giants like Walmart and Target are pushing their suppliers to adopt cleaner freight and use recycled materials. These sustainability trends are now influencing contracts, routing, and sourcing decisions across various modes.

Consumer and Regulatory Pressure Driving Greener Practices

Surveys from McKinsey and Deloitte reveal a growing willingness to pay for goods with certified low-carbon logistics and recycled content. California’s rules on corporate climate reporting set a higher standard for emissions measurement and verification. This increases the demand for auditable data.

Manufacturers are integrating renewable fuels, shifting to intermodal transport, and using energy-efficient warehousing to meet near-term targets. IoT sensors and data platforms track fuel consumption, empty miles, and cold chain loads. This helps validate claims and reduce costs per unit moved.

Circular Supply Chains: Refurbishment, Returns, and Reverse Logistics

Circular supply chains aim to reclaim units for repair, remanufacture, and resale at scale. Companies like Apple, Patagonia, and Caterpillar extend product life through certified refurbishment. This reduces raw material exposure and improves recovery value on returns.

Success in circular supply chains depends on effective reverse logistics, triage, and standardized inspection. Network design places consolidation hubs near demand to shorten loops, cut handling, and support low-carbon logistics with fewer linehaul miles.

Measuring Emissions Across Transport and Procurement

Accurate emissions measurement now spans Scope 1–3 across trucking, ocean, air, and purchased goods. Carriers provide lane-level intensity factors, while shippers map supplier tiers to quantify embodied carbon in inputs and packaging.

Data alignment with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 improves audit readiness. Procurement teams compare bids on cost and carbon, weighting fuel type, vehicle class, and load factors to optimize total landed impact.

Practice	Primary Objective	Operational Enabler	Business Effect	Example Brands
Low-carbon logistics	Cut transport emissions	Mode shift, renewable diesel, EV fleets	Lower cost per mile and CO2e intensity	UPS, Maersk, DHL
Circular supply chains	Recover value from returns	Reverse logistics, repair centers, grading	Reduced material spend and volatility	Apple, Patagonia, Caterpillar
Emissions measurement	Scope 1–3 quantification	IoT telematics, data platforms, GHG Protocol	Audit-ready reporting and supplier comparability	Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, SAP
Sustainable procurement	Lower embodied carbon	Supplier scorecards, recycled inputs	Compliance with SEC/EPA and retailer mandates	Walmart, Target, Unilever

• Prioritize lanes where low-carbon logistics yields immediate cost and CO2e gains.
• Build refurb capacity and grading standards to scale circular supply chains.
• Standardize emissions measurement with carrier data and supplier disclosures.

Omnichannel Logistics: Returns Management and Zone Skipping

Marine Digital reports that rapid growth in e-commerce logistics is expanding return volumes and reshaping network design. Retailers and brands are adapting policies, automating flows, and refining carrier choices to protect margins while sustaining service levels across omnichannel logistics.

Strategic DC placement to streamline reverse logistics

Returns management depends on fast triage and accurate routing. Strategic distribution centers near major population corridors shorten backhaul time, improve sortation, and speed resale or refurbishment. Positioning nodes in the Midwest, Texas, and Southern California helps consolidate inbound parcels from stores and parcel lockers.

Marine Digital notes that routing rules should steer goods to repair hubs, liquidation partners, or direct-to-stock lines based on SKU value and condition. This approach reduces touches and improves inventory redeployment velocity in e-commerce logistics.

Cost control through automated returns and carrier mix

Automation cuts cost per return and improves scan accuracy. Branded portals with instant labels, QR codes, and disposition logic lower contact center load. Integrations with warehouse management systems and ERP platforms accelerate authorizations and credit timing.

A diversified carrier mix—regional parcel providers, USPS for lightweights, and national integrators for time-sensitive lanes—supports rate leverage and resilience. Marine Digital indicates that policy changes, such as optimized return windows and paid shipping for low-value items, further stabilize unit economics across omnichannel logistics.

Zone skipping to shorten final-mile legs and reduce spend

Zone skipping consolidates parcels over the long interregional leg, then injects them closer to destination for the final mile. The method reduces billed zones, lowers damage risk, and improves ETA predictability. Marine Digital forecasts wider adoption on domestic road networks as shippers quantify savings.

When paired with accurate demand forecasts and regional injection points, zone skipping increases trailer utilization and smooths carrier capacity. The practice complements returns management by aligning forward and reverse flows, creating measurable gains in e-commerce logistics efficiency.

Conclusion

The supply chain landscape is expected to stabilize, with carrier rates and service levels improving. Port congestion remains a challenge but is now more manageable. Companies are moving from emergency measures to long-term strategies, balancing costs and service levels.

Reshoring and nearshoring are becoming key to controlling lead times. Procurement trends highlight the importance of diversifying suppliers and establishing strict contracts. Geopolitical and cybersecurity risks are also on the rise, making risk management a top priority.

Workforce shortages are driving the adoption of automation. Ivanti notes a significant increase in the use of mobile devices, wearables, and automated picking systems. These technologies aim to enhance reliability and reduce training times.

Technology trends focus on AI for demand forecasting, IoT for monitoring conditions, and cloud-based SCM. Analysts predict cloud SCM will reach $45.2 billion by 2028, growing at 11.09% annually. Digital twins and robotics are improving planning and cost control, while 5G and blockchain ensure data integrity.

Marine Digital reported a 300% increase in software supply chain attacks in 2022. This highlights the need for robust security measures across applications, devices, and systems. Sustainability is becoming a critical metric, with a focus on circular economies, refurbishment, and emissions reduction.

Logistics trends are shifting towards omnichannel solutions, including returns automation and zone skipping. These strategies aim to reduce final-mile costs without compromising service quality.

The U.S. operating model now emphasizes resilience and measurable outcomes. Data-driven decision-making, credible environmental reporting, and cost discipline are key. By integrating technology with strong governance and agile sourcing, companies can achieve stability and build a lasting competitive edge in a volatile year.

FAQ

What are the top supply chain trends that shaped performance?

The year saw a shift in supply chain trends. Carrier rates eased, and service levels normalized. Port congestion persisted but showed signs of improvement. The trend of reshoring and nearshoring to the United States and Mexico gained momentum.

Geopolitical tensions and inflation pressures also played a significant role. Companies accelerated their digital transformation efforts. This included the use of AI-driven planning, IoT sensors, and cloud-based SCM solutions.

Robotics and digital supply chain twins became more prevalent. Cybersecurity risks rose sharply, prompting a focus on protecting against threats. Sustainability trends, such as circular supply chains and reverse logistics, gained prominence.

Omnichannel logistics expanded, with a focus on returns automation and zone skipping. These strategies aimed to reduce final-mile costs.

How did carrier rates and service levels evolve?

Marine Digital reported a decline in ocean and domestic carrier rates. This was due to normalized demand, increased capacity, and reduced backlogs. Service levels also improved, with stabilizing throughput and easing labor constraints.

Managers adopted a disciplined approach, avoiding crisis-driven contracting. They focused on sustainable cost reductions, reliability, and measured procurement trends.

Should organizations pivot strategy as volatility recedes?

Guidance for advised against overreaction. Firms balanced short-term volatility with long-term strategy. They calibrated contracts and routing while prioritizing risk management and resilient operations.

The shift from survival mode to growth mode was evident. Emphasis was placed on predictable service, disciplined cost control, and technology trends that strengthen visibility.

What changed in inventory strategy after pandemic-era stockpiling?

Companies moved towards inventory right-sizing to lower carrying costs and obsolescence. They maintained service levels through better demand planning and improved visibility. Shorter lead times from regionalization supported leaner positions without compromising fulfillment.

What is the port congestion outlook and capacity picture?

Marine Digital noted that congestion persisted at major U.S. and European ports. This had knock-on effects into Asia. While rates fell, localized bottlenecks required diversified port strategies and flexible carrier mixes.

Improved inland capacity helped, but intermittent disruptions necessitated dynamic capacity planning. Alternative gateway utilization was also necessary.

How are reshoring and nearshoring changing sourcing decisions?

Production shifts to the United States and Mexico shortened lead times and reduced exposure to Asia backlogs and geopolitical risks. The trade-off of higher unit costs was offset by lower variability, reduced inventory buffers, and improved responsiveness.

Procurement trends emphasized supplier diversification, multi-sourcing, and regionalized networks. This rebalanced total landed cost and resilience.

How did geopolitics and inflation influence risk postures?

The Russia–Ukraine war and evolving U.S.–China dynamics reshaped trade lanes and import patterns. Firms advanced friend-shoring and multi-source strategies to lower concentration risk. Scenario planning, real-time visibility platforms, and digital risk assessment improved disruption detection.

These tools informed inventory and transportation adjustments under inflationary pressure.

What workforce challenges did operations face and how were they addressed?

Ivanti’s survey found training time at 52% and turnover at 50% as top issues. Digital upskilling needs were cited by 41%. About 85% planned new or expanded tech investments, expecting up to 30% automation increases.

Handheld mobile computers and tablets were common. Wearables and automated picking were gaining traction to raise efficiency and reduce errors.

Why is visibility central to improving labor productivity?

Approximately 32% reported less than 50% visibility into mobile asset deployment. Some large enterprises had pockets of zero visibility. Enhanced end-to-end visibility and intuitive data tools shortened training and reduced picking errors.

These tools stabilized throughput, directly addressing worker efficiency and change management constraints.

How are AI and machine learning applied in supply chains?

AI supported demand forecasting, proactive operations planning, and cost identification. In warehouses, AI enabled smarter slotting and task orchestration. In procurement, it improved supplier risk scoring.

Adoption broadened across manufacturing and logistics. AI underpinned digital transformation trends with faster, data-driven decisions.

What role did IoT and real-time data play?

IoT sensors delivered asset tracking, production monitoring, inventory control, and predictive maintenance. Real-time data streams improved ETA accuracy, reduced dwell, and informed dynamic routing.

These capabilities strengthened risk management trends by enabling earlier disruption detection and response.

What is the outlook for cloud SCM and implementation speed?

Cloud SCM accelerated deployment and lowered total cost of ownership. Mordor Intelligence projects the cloud SCM market to reach roughly .2 billion by 2028, with an analyzed CAGR of about 11.09%. Organizations favored platforms that offered reliability, uptime, and adaptability with faster time-to-value.

When do digital supply chain twins make sense?

Digital twins provided end-to-end decision intelligence by virtualizing networks with integrated, real-time data. Initial deployment was capital intensive and often led by large enterprises. Benefits included scenario testing, inventory optimization, and agile capacity planning across procurement, logistics, and manufacturing.

How fast are robotics and autonomous systems advancing?

Adoption of autonomous mobile robots, drones, and automated picking accelerated. Ivanti’s data indicated strong momentum toward wearables and automation. Marine Digital noted that some technologies—such as autonomous trucking—remain early-stage, with ROI, reliability, and change management determining the pace.

What were the major cybersecurity developments affecting supply chains?

Marine Digital reported software supply chain attacks grew by more than 300% in 2022 versus 2021. Ransomware and data theft risks increased across maritime and logistics systems. This was due to insecure networks and uncontrolled remote access.

Larger device fleets with limited visibility further amplified exposure.

How should companies secure networks and device fleets?

Priorities included segmenting vessel and edge systems, controlling third-party remote access, and enforcing endpoint and mobile device management. Continuous monitoring, incident response readiness, and governance over software updates and credentials were essential. These measures protected uptime and data integrity.

How did sustainability trends reshape operations?

Consumer demand and regulation pushed greener practices, including sourcing sustainable materials and measuring greenhouse gas emissions in transport and procurement. Circular supply chains expanded, requiring robust reverse logistics, inspection, and refurbishment to reclaim products and reduce raw material volatility.

What is the business case for circular supply chains and reverse logistics?

Circular models lowered input costs, mitigated price swings, and addressed compliance. Returns automation, quality grading, and refurbishment enabled resale channels while improving inventory redeployment. IoT and data platforms provided traceability and validated environmental performance claims with auditable metrics.

How are omnichannel logistics strategies cutting final-mile costs?

Brands automated returns, refined policies, and diversified carrier mixes to secure better rates. Zone skipping—consolidating parcels over the long haul before regional induction—reduced spend and transit time. Strategic distribution center placement improved reverse logistics speed and customer experience.

Which barriers slow technology adoption, and how are buyers evaluating solutions?

Budget constraints (65%) and change management (55%) topped the list in Ivanti’s survey. Buyers prioritized reliability and uptime (69%), ease of deployment (67%), ease of learning (63%), and adaptability (63%) when selecting tools for warehouse and logistics trends.

How do companies balance cost efficiency with resilience?

Firms combined procurement trends like multi-sourcing and regionalization with technology trends that increase visibility and agility. The result was disciplined cost control, improved service reliability, and stronger risk buffers against geopolitical shocks, inflation, and cybersecurity threats.