Several trends are currently shaping the development of supply chain management and logistics – with a strong impact expected in the years to come. Technological advancements, rising customer expectations, and an increased focus on sustainability and resilience drive these trends.
In this article, we explore the latest trends in supply chain management. The goal is to see what you need to be aware of to stay at the forefront of the industry and future-proof both your career and your organization.
What are the recent trends in supply chain management?
Supply chains are changing fast – and staying ahead means understanding what’s driving that change. Right now, three major trends are shaping the future of supply chain management:
- Resilience and flexibility
- Sustainability and ESG
- Visibility and real-time data
Resilience and flexibility
Recent disruptions like global conflicts, trade issues, and pandemics have shown how fragile supply chains can be. That’s why companies are now working to make their supply chains more resilient and adaptable.
What does this look like?
- Using more than one supplier (“dual sourcing”)
- Moving production closer to home (“nearshoring”)
- Keeping more stock on hand (“inventory buffers”)
These strategies help reduce risks, speed up delivery times, and improve control over the supply chain.
Read more about logistic trends in our article
Sustainability and ESG
Sustainable logistics isn’t optional anymore – it’s a business priority. Customers, investors, and regulators all expect companies to reduce emissions and source responsibly.
What are companies doing?
- Tracking and reducing CO2 emissions
- Choosing greener transport options
- Making their supply chains more transparent
Visibility and real-time data
To make good decisions, businesses need to see what’s happening in their supply chain – in real time. But many still lack that overview.
Why does visibility matter?
- It helps avoid delays and disruptions
- Reduces waste and excess stock
- Improves customer service with live shipment updates
What are the latest technological trends in supply chain management?
Technology is transforming how supply chains work – making them faster, smarter, and more reliable. Here are the top supply chain technology trends:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Blockchain
- Digital twins
- Automation and robotics
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is helping companies make smarter decisions. It can:
- Predict demand and prevent stockouts
- Optimize routes and reduce delivery times
- Automate planning and repetitive tasks
Some companies have cut logistics costs by 15% and improved delivery speed by 40% using AI. In the future, AI may run parts of the supply chain on its own, with minimal human input.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical objects – like sensors, machines, or vehicles – that are connected to the internet and can collect and share data automatically. IoT connects devices and sensors to give real-time data on:
- Location of shipments
- Temperature and humidity for sensitive goods
- Warehouse inventory
This helps improve accuracy, reduce waste, and increase flexibility. When combined with AI, IoT makes supply chains even smarter.
Read more about the future of warehouse management systems
Blockchain
Blockchain is a digital system for storing information in a secure and unchangeable way. Instead of keeping records in one place, it shares them across a network, where every update is verified and permanently recorded.
Why does it matter in supply chains?
Blockchain creates tamper-proof records, improving trust and transparency. It’s especially useful for:
- Tracing the origin of products
- Proving that goods are authentic
- Meeting legal and safety requirements
Digital twins
A digital twin is a virtual version of a real-world supply chain, factory, or warehouse. It lets companies:
- Test different scenarios
- Improve layouts and workflows
- Predict issues before they happen
This helps reduce costs, improve quality, and support better decision-making – all before anything changes in the real world.
Automation and robotics
Robots and automated systems are being used to:
- Pick and pack items in warehouses
- Move goods efficiently
- Improve safety and reduce labor shortages
Many companies now rely on automation to boost productivity and free up human workers for more complex tasks.
Also read: Digitalizing air cargo
What will the supply chain be like in the future?
Imagine a supply chain that almost runs itself, is connected to everything, and still relies on smart people. That's what the future holds for supply chains. It will be shaped by advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), widespread digital technology, and a workforce that's constantly learning new skills.
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Autonomous supply chains: Smart, self-running networks
Soon, AI and machine learning will make supply chains "self-optimizing." This means they'll be able to adjust and react to changes on their own, with very little help from people. Think of it like a smart network that can fix problems and find the most efficient paths without constant human input.
Many companies are already planning to use these self-adjusting supply chains to become more efficient and respond faster to issues. While we've had automation (robots doing specific jobs), autonomy is different. It means entire systems can "think" and make decisions independently in complex situations, making the whole network smarter, not just individual tasks.
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Hyper-connected ecosystems: Seamless digital connections
Future supply chains will be super-connected, sharing information smoothly between all systems and partners. This is key for top efficiency, clear visibility, and strength against disruptions. Technologies like cloud computing, blockchain, and strong cybersecurity will make this vast connection possible.
However, more connections also mean more risks. Cybersecurity will be incredibly important to protect sensitive information and keep operations running smoothly. Think of it as building a superhighway for data, but also needing top-notch security checkpoints along the way.
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Human-centric supply chains: People and tech working together
Even with all this technology, people will still be vital. The workforce will need to evolve, with a big focus on reskilling and retraining to use new tools effectively.
The future will see humans working closely with smart robots and advanced AI. Instead of AI replacing people, it will enhance human capabilities. AI can handle repetitive or dangerous tasks, allowing people to focus on higher-level activities like making strategic decisions, solving complex problems, and managing intricate systems. This means a smarter, more skilled human workforce leveraging technology to achieve even greater things.
Bertling's strategic advantage in the evolving supply chain landscape
With over 160 years in global logistics and shipping, we at Bertling have gained the foresight and capabilities not just to adapt, but to lead in the ever-changing supply chain world. We are at the forefront of future supply chain trends, using our deep expertise, advanced IT solutions, and a strong commitment to responsible logistics.
Digitalization at Bertling: Maximizing visibility with BLU & BLU4U
Our in-house IT solutions, BLU and BLU4U, are central to our strategy. They directly address the industry's crucial need for better visibility and data-driven decisions. These platforms are designed to give our clients unmatched transparency and control across their supply chain.
BLU and BLU4U help us maximize supply chain visibility through highly efficient logistics processes. They offer real-time tracking, customizable reports, tailored Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), advanced dashboards, and seamless data exports, all available 24/7. Our investment in these proprietary IT solutions gives us a significant competitive edge, especially when many professionals still struggle with full supply chain visibility.
We see BLU/BLU4U not just as transportation management systems, but as comprehensive supply chain intelligence platforms that directly solve a major industry problem.
Responsible logistics: Our commitment to sustainability
Our strong commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with a major global trend. We are leading efforts in decarbonization and ethical operations, viewing this commitment not just as a corporate responsibility, but as a core part of our business strategy.
We've committed to achieving CO2 neutral operations by 2030 through a three-step approach: Measure, Reduce, and Compensate.
To support this, we developed the Bertling Ecological Footprint Tracker, a tool that transparently informs clients about the environmental impact of their transport operations. This proactive approach helps our clients meet their own environmental goals and comply with regulations, making us a collaborative partner in their sustainability journeys.
Read more about sustainability at Bertling
Expertise in complex project logistics: Navigating global challenges
Our long-standing expertise in handling complex, large-scale logistics projects, especially in remote and challenging locations, firmly establishes us as a trusted partner. This specialized capability is a cornerstone of our service offering.
We provide comprehensive, end-to-end logistics solutions for projects worldwide. Our special expertise in remote areas requires a strong local network, sophisticated local content strategies, and in-depth knowledge of all transport challenges – including geographical, political, and social factors. While technology is crucial, the value of our human expertise remains irreplaceable. Our experts and specialized teams are vital for delivering the tailor-made logistics solutions that demanding industries require, showcasing both our technological prowess and our invaluable human capital.