What 2024 Taught Us About How to Thrive as Supply Chain Executives

Promoting transparency throughout the supply chain or greening operations, supply chain managers must become more data-driven than ever before and deploy software and hardware solutions that support that goal.

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In 2024, supply chain executives navigated many unexpected challenges. Port strikes temporarily halted the influx of goods through East and Gulf Coast ports and hurricanes disrupted the flow of goods on the East Coast, to name just two. Amid these challenges, leaders in supply chain also contended with the everyday complexities of a complicated industry. The companies that were most successful in navigating hurdles? The ones that were efficient, resilient and agile. From dealing with disruption to being asked to contribute to sustainability outcomes, to generating real-time insights for optimization, these are trends that will shape 2025.

Many lessons can be learned from the supply chain leaders who succeeded this year, despite headwinds. But three trends from 2024 stand out:

  • Digital transformation: The most successful companies are embracing digital transformation of their supply chains, and artificial intelligence (AI) will begin to influence how companies manage their data. We anticipate the focus on data accuracy will become even more critical in coming years as the digital transformation, including the rapidly developing AI space, continues.
  • Increasing transparency: A resilient and competitive supply chain depends on knowing where goods and materials are from the time they leave the warehouse to delivery to the customers. Using a robust supply chain technology platform will foster this transparency so companies can react to changes in real time.
  • Surging sustainability requirements: Supply chain sustainability goals, which seemed far off just two years ago, are taking a front seat for many companies. More than ever before, sustainability has moved from being simply a compliance issue to a competitive differentiator.

The industry’s top supply chain executives should spend 2025 considering these trends when developing and updating operational plans. Here’s how executives can leverage them for 2025 and beyond.

Only Clean Data Can Harness AI’s True Power

Supply chain software is becoming more sophisticated with each passing year. Whether it provides real-time analytics, encourages predictive modeling or revolutionizes the automation of otherwise mundane tasks like inventory management and product tracking, AI has the power to transform how supply chain executives do business.

However, it’s critical to remember that AI is only as effective as the data behind it. The influx of data generated by interconnected systems and devices makes keeping data clean and accurate complex and challenging. If the data isn’t reliable, even the most sophisticated AI tools could generate inefficiencies instead of solutions.

Savvy supply chain executives should examine software packages through the lens of not only volume of data collected, but even more importantly, data accuracy. Transitioning to software with a 99.9% data accuracy rate will provide companies with a demonstrable competitive advantage. They won’t be spending precious time fixing mistakes that AI pulled through because the data was wrong. Additionally, they’ll be ahead of the curve thanks to accurate data that will speed up the work and enhance their employees’ ability to work quickly and efficiently. Combining quality data with a robust AI component to filter noise and highlight actionable trends will reduce costs, enhance efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.

Transparency Will Revolutionize the Industry

With supply chains experiencing more frequent disruptions from both natural and manmade events, the demand for end-to-end visibility—from warehouse to customer—has emerged as a growing priority. Thanks to companies like Amazon, customers have come to expect their suppliers to pinpoint where their assets are at each moment throughout the shipping process. Using the proper data and software to provide customers real-time information about their shipment increases customer satisfaction.

Whether it’s enhanced radio frequency identification (RFID), ultrawideband or Bluetooth technologies, their integration into companies’ internet of things (IoT) platforms is no longer optional. In addition to providing vital information to customers, it also allows supply chain executives to identify potential bottlenecks before they occur and adjust before they affect the customer.

In the coming years, it’s likely that visibility will become the rule rather than the exception, and the companies that recognize this, and take actionable steps to accomplish it, will be poised to succeed.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management Matters

Sometimes deadlines can drive innovation and nowhere is that more apparent than in sustainable supply chain management. With governments imposing stricter environmental regulations and companies pursuing self-imposed goals, the pressure to prioritize transparency of process and the goods they purchase has increased.

One highly visible way to demonstrate sustainable supply chains is to transform shipping containers from single-use products to returnable packaging systems. It removes companies’ packaging from landfills and reduces the costs of replacing disposable packaging each time. Additionally, by deploying the right supply chain management software, companies can optimize transportation routes and cube loads, reduce emissions and minimize energy consumption.

However, keeping products moving smoothly from warehouse to customer in the most efficient and cost-effective manner always remains the crucial goal, and sustainability should work in tandem with that overarching goal. Working with industry software partners can help align those two crucial business objectives and make sustainability a companywide value.

Lessons Learned From 2024

2024 showed us that supply chain management is becoming more dynamic with every passing year. Companies that want to succeed in the future or are learning that supply chain management should be at the forefront of their business should consider these trends to build strong foundations for their operations in 2025.

Whether it’s ensuring accurate data to take advantage of AI efficiencies, promoting transparency throughout the supply chain or greening operations, supply chain managers must become more data-driven than ever before and deploy software and hardware solutions that support that goal. Those who adapt quickly and effectively will not only meet the demands of today but set the standard for the supply chains of tomorrow.

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