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HERE ARE THE TOP 10 SUPPLY CHAIN TRENDS 2023

The Supply Chain is a critical element of business success and global competitiveness. With the evolution of the market and the growth of technologies, the trends of supply chains are also undergoing constant changes. That is why it is important to be aware of the latest trends to maintain a competitive advantage. The ASCM Report has identified the 10 main trends that will characterize Supply Chains in 2023.

1. Big data and analytics
Big data, analytics and automation are enabling organizations to mitigatedisruption via digital, agile supply chain management. The implementation of predictive and prescriptive analytics — as well as advances in big data, algorithms and robotics — will have broad-reaching effects. Those organizations that harness the power of these solutions will benefit from greater visibility,synchronized planning and execution, data-driven decision- making, predictability, agility, and profitability.

2. Digital supply chains:
Digital supply chains will continue to be essential elements of numerous trends on this list, including risk, resilience and security. Successfully digitizing supply chains requires large-scale sensor implementation via the internet of things; digital twins; shared internal and external interfaces, such as cloud-based networks; and process automation and verification. Best-in-class organizations will adopt digital supply chain capabilities or be left behind by nimbler and more efficient competitors.

3. Supply chain risk and resilience
Supply chain risk and resilience require collaboration among global networks that are highly complex and interconnected. Key strategies include diversification of suppliers, production capabilities and transportation processes, as well as finding alternative materials and nontraditional partnerships. Many supply chains will become more compact and localized. Resilient supply chain design will also be critical to mitigating adverse events faster than the competition, providing excellent customer service, and generating value and market share.

4. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning, key components of numerous trends on this list, are becoming a driving force for maximizing and enabling systems thanks to interoperability across various business landscapes.
They are foundational to integrating people, processes and systems in a wide array of operational environments. The technology-driven evolution to industry 5.0 — which involves a more collaborative approach, as well as partnerships between humans and robots — will have significant impact on numerous supply chain functions.

5. Robotics
Labor shortages, supply disruptions and demand surges are compelling organizations to tap into robotics — and, as a result, intelligent robotics are transforming supply chains. Driven by rapid technological advancements and greater affordability, both mobile and stationary robots will assist workers with warehousing, transportation and last-mile delivery tasks. Safer, more efficient warehouses, with fewer people in them, will drive down costs. Although the initial capital investment will be high, the cost savings are primed to be dramatic.

6. Data security and cybersecurity
The more digital supply chains become, the more vulnerable their global networks are to cyberattacks. This interconnectedness means supply chain partners can inadvertently expose each other and their customers to privacy breaches, identity theft and worse. Expect greater collaboration when safeguarding networks, devices, people and programs. In addition, more organizations will choose to invest in redundancy, firewalls, advanced anti-hacking technologies and employee training.

7. Circular and sustainable supply chains
The traditional linear business model of take, make and throw away is an economic dead-end for the earth, raises raw material costs, and increases the likelihood of shortages and volatility. Meanwhile, many conflicts and wars evolve around access to rare minerals, energy and commodities. As supply chains touch every part of our global ecosystem, circular economies that prioritize responsible, restorative and regenerative aspects are imperative and singularly consequential.

8. Essential goods supply chains
Supply chain managers must support essential goods producers in order to move product; get any surpluses to humanitarian organizations; and help retailers, governments and non-governmental organizations connect with capable suppliers. Further, there will continue to be growth in temperature-controlled goods fulfillment, creating new challenges for picking, packaging and transporting shipments with temperature integrity via special processes, innovative cold-chain packaging and optimized infrastructure.

9. Smart logistics and the internet of things
Insights and agility prove to be key competitive advantages in supply chain. The internet of things provides near-real-time transparency and information about product location, speed of movement, estimated arrival and local atmospheric conditions. This is the foundation of smart logistics, as it illuminates delays, disruptions and potential quality degradation. The insights gained will enable organizations to curtail costs, raise service levels and optimize networks.

10. Logistics vulnerability
Transportation planning systems rely on supply chain stakeholders collaborating in an integrated and flexible way. This enables them to dynamically adapt their various transport modes based on near-real-time information. The benefits include improved visibility, integration and flexibility. Logistics organizations must create the conditions necessary for a seamless interaction among multiple transportation networks and their digital replicas. They also should be rethinking the physical connections among warehouses, highways, ports, waterways and air transportation.

Knowing the Supply Chain trends is crucial for companies that want to maintain a competitive advantage and successfully manage their Supply Chains.

The APICS CSCP course offered by Advance School addresses some of these important trends. The course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the complex challenges of Supply Chains and maintain a competitive advantage. To access the full ASCM report click on: Download ASCM Supply Chain Trends Report.