Many supply chain operators remain unevenly prepared to respond to supply chain disruption heading into 2026, according to Sage’s 2026 State of Supply Chain Report.
“Many supply chain operators are facing the same disruptions, but not with the same level of preparedness,” says Rodney Manzo, senior director of supply chain intelligence at Sage. “The research shows that gaps in visibility and execution become more exposed as cost pressure and volatility persist. When disruption hits, those gaps translate into delayed decisions and higher operational risk.”
Key takeaways:
· The research shows that readiness to respond varies widely, with only half of consumer brands reporting strong confidence in their ability to respond effectively to supply chain disruptions in 2026.
- 50% of supply chain teams lack strong confidence heading into 2026, with preparedness closely tied to visibility and system maturity rather than awareness of risk alone.
- While nearly half of operators plan to shift sourcing closer to home, quality and compliance rank as the top drivers, underscoring the importance of execution discipline and supplier oversight.
- Only 10% of brands have AI live in supply chain workflows today, with adoption closely linked to data readiness and visibility maturity rather than interest or experimentation.
- Even highly optimized supply chain teams continue to prioritize cost reduction over largescale modernization, reinforcing the need for investments that deliver near-term operational impact.
