Few supply chain organizations ready for future challenges: Gartner survey

Just 29 per cent of supply chain organizations have developed at least three of the five key competitive characteristics needed for future readiness, according to a survey by Gartner Inc.

The survey, conducted between July 31 and Oct. 1, 2024, polled 579 supply chain practitioners across industries and regions. It identified agility, resilience, regionalization, integrated ecosystems and integrated enterprise strategy as the critical characteristics for supply chain success in the coming years.

“Leaders shared a commitment to preparation through long-term, deliberate strategies, while non-leaders were more often focused on short-term priorities,” said Pierfrancesco Manenti, vice-president analyst in Gartner’s supply chain practice.

Gartner’s research categorized organizations into four profiles based on their approach to future readiness: Design, which emphasizes business model innovation; Durability, which focuses on sustainability and risk management; Deferment, which prioritizes cost containment and strategic pauses in investment; and Decision, which leverages AI and real-time data analytics.

“While CSCOs can be successful aligning to any of the four profiles, the data suggests following the Design profile,” Manenti said. “Its emphasis on business model innovation capabilities could be the most fruitful, as there are more leaders aligned with the Design profile compared to the others.”

Most leaders in the survey have yet to invest in advanced technologies like real-time visibility and digital supply chain twins but plan to do so within the next three to five years.