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As we enter a new post-pandemic reality and look ahead to 2025, one thing is certain — it's more critical than ever for supply chain managers, logistics professionals, and procurement officers to stay informed about trends shaping the future to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key trends driving the future of supply chain management and what companies should be preparing for as we enter 2025. Learn everything you need to know here.
Is the Supply Chain Ready for 2025?
After four years of pandemic-related setbacks, the global supply chain is finally reaching a new normal! Backlogs of cargo ships are no longer stuck at ports for weeks. Ocean shipping rates are now at pre-pandemic levels in certain shipping lanes.
As congested ports, shipping delays, and other supply chain disruptions ease up, companies must learn how to adapt to this new normal of lower shipping rates and transportation costs, improved reliability, and higher competition.
Adapting to these changes in 2025 will require continued focus on building resilience, improving efficiency, and leveraging technology to stay ahead of competition.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Realities
You've probably experienced the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating impact on the global supply chain firsthand. You aren't alone. Roughly 20% of logistics industry professionals reported major disruptions due to the pandemic.
From trade limitations to shipping and manufacturing delays, the pandemic created significant vulnerabilities in supply chains worldwide. Enterprises can embrace the new normal in supply chain operations by:
- Improving supply chain flexibility: Enterprises should focus on building resilient supply chains. They can do so by incorporating agile technologies and strategies to increase visibility across teams.
- Considering external factors during supply chain processes: Supply chains should expand sourcing locations and forge strong relationships with suppliers across different regions. This can help companies navigate future supply chain interruptions.
- Prioritizing communication and risk management: Enterprises can adopt technologies that enable real-time tracking and visibility. This can help them achieve more proactive communication with their suppliers and customers. As such, supply chains can detect potential disruptions and take action accordingly.
Key Supply Chain Trends for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, several trends are expected to continue shaping the global supply chain. Companies should implement the latest technologies, strategies, and solutions to remain competitive and stay abreast of the changing supply chain demands. From advanced robotics to sustainable practices, these trends will drive innovation and set the tone for the future of logistics.
1. Robotics
Ultimately, automation can enhance customer experiences by accelerating different supply chain processes. Research suggests over 75% of companies will have integrated some type of cyber-physical automation into their warehousing workflow by 2027. Here are some ways supply chains can use robotics to automate and streamline their daily operations:
- Automated guided vehicles: These warehousing robots follow predetermined paths using a series of sensors, markers, and lasers. This configuration allows for accurate movement and navigation.
- Automated storage and retrieval systems: These computer-controlled systems can automatically store and retrieve inventory from designated warehouse storage areas. When integrated with a warehouse management system, they can determine what items to retrieve.
- Collaborative robots: Cobots use advanced sensors and safety features to perform numerous warehouse tasks. They can facilitate processes like packing products and conducting quality checks.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles: These vehicles can scan and retrieve items from elevated areas and capture high-quality images of inventory. Their speed and size allow them to maneuver narrow warehouse aisles with ease.
2. Sustainable Practices
Many supply chains are employing eco-friendly practices to protect their people and the environment. In turn, enterprises can elevate their brand image and bottom line and shine in an increasingly competitive global supply chain.
Companies can adopt more sustainable practices by:
Decreasing Emissions From Transportation and Logistics
The transportation industry accounts for the largest share of United States petroleum consumption. During transportation, supply chains can reduce their fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions by ordering products and materials more efficiently. Some examples include:
- Consolidating orders: You might place a large order with one vendor rather than multiple small orders. This can reduce the number of vehicles needed for transportation.
- Using LTL shipping: Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping combines shipments from multiple clients, optimizing delivery routes and truck space. This is a sustainable alternative to full-truckload shipping, where companies reserve entire trucks even if they don't fill them.
- Partnering with sustainable vendors: Companies that outsource distribution can partner with vendors that prioritize eco-friendly transportation.
Using More Recycled and Renewable Materials
Supply chains can manufacture or source products made from repurposed plastics, textiles, and other materials. They can also use more sustainable packaging materials, such as recycled paper and plastic.
Investing in Renewable Energy Sources
Supply chains can employ solar and wind energy, which don't generate greenhouse gases. They can power their facilities with sustainable energy and transport finished products with electric vehicles, trucks, planes, and ships that use alternative fuels.
3. Software Solutions
Supply chains are using software and technology to automate repetitive, labor-intensive tasks, including warehousing, inventory management, and order processing. Technology can significantly reduce operating costs and boost agility and visibility across supply chains by:
- Saving time by expediting manual, error-prone processes like manually drafting documents.
- Keeping employees across different locations and departments on the same page, preventing order and delivery errors.
- Ensuring quicker delivery times with competitive fees and accurate, up-to-date order details.
Many businesses use enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to manage various aspects of their operations, from HR and finances to supply chains. In 2025, companies can further extend their ERP software capabilities with advanced add-ons like ShipERP Core. This multi-carrier shipping logistics solution integrates with your ERP software to:
- Compare rates: ShipERP Core lets you view the rates of different carriers. This makes it easy to find and select the best one for your budget.
- Monitor shipments: Automatically generates tracking numbers, letting you trace all parcel shipments.
- Generate documentation: ShipERP Core automatically creates export documents for shipments. It sends these documents to the appropriate locations, letting you focus on more value-added tasks.
- Coordinate shipping: MaManage orders and consolidate shipment information from one dashboard. In turn, it enables more control, organization, and productivity throughout your supply chain.
Preparing for 2025 and Beyond: The Future of Supply Chain Management
What will the global supply chain look like in the coming years? The future of supply chain management is marked by new trends and technologies, such as:
- More diverse supply chains.
- Optimized supply chain processes using value-added software.
- Artificial intelligence and automation.
- More sustainable business practices.
Supply chain leaders can leverage these solutions to thrive in a competitive landscape and meet evolving customer demands.
How ShipERP Can Help You Prepare for 2025
At ShipERP, we’re here to help you stay ahead of supply chain challenges in 2025. ShipERP can help you integrate innovative shipping and compliance solutions. That way, you can enhance resilience and efficiency across your supply chain operations.
Our configurable software offers a variety of features to suit your business size and budget. You can process orders, oversee shipments, receive proof of delivery, and browse carrier rates from one convenient interface.
These capabilities can optimize your return on investment, lower your shipping costs, and help you comply with supply chain regulations. Additionally, our shipping solutions include a highly responsive customer support team and 24/7 technical support.
Experience supply chain productivity and resilience like never before with ShipERP. Schedule your free software demo today!