It’s the year for supply chain efficiency. Is your supply chain ready?
2024 brought trials and tribulations to the supply chain industry. With the explosion of Generative AI, climate change, complex political tensions and war, the only consistent trend was disruption. 2025 is here, but unfortunately, the road ahead remains equally bumpy.
As the excitement around AI begins to settle and there is a shift towards its “nitty gritty”, practical uses, it is the perfect time to embed this new technology into your systems and processes to ensure your supply chain is ready — for the unexpected, for further disruption and for meeting your customer’s needs.

Here’s how you can ‘show up’ and survive disruption in your supply chain this year:
1. Visibility and control of your supply chain are key. Your ability to monitor stock must absolutely be prioritised — you need to be able to ensure that you have the right amount of product in the right areas to meet customer demand. In 2025, AI will play a major role in providing insights that help you to make more informed decisions on where to position stock for optimal efficiency.
Practical implementation example:
By implementing digital twins, real-time monitoring of your supply chain as well as predictive insights become available. For instance, SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) provides solutions that assist businesses to simulate and manage their inventory effectively. Microsoft has utilised SAP IBP alongside other tools like Azure to gain valuable insights across its operations, resulting in significant increases in efficiency and substantial cost avoidance. Follow the link to read more.
2. Expect mass scale integration. Your supply chain strategy will become even more interwoven with wider business strategies which will centre around cutting costs, creating competitive advantages and ensuring excellent customer service and delivery experiences.
Practical implementation example:
Coupa Supply Chain Design and Planning is an API-driven platform that can seamlessly connect supply chain systems with other business functions which means overall enhanced cost optimisation and customer service. The integration between Amazon Business and Coupa has enabled organisations like the Veterinary Emergency Group, for example, to manage spend, simplify purchasing processes, and achieve cost savings. Follow the link to watch this on-demand webinar.
3. Generative AI (GenAI) will become even more user-friendly and as a result solve the very skills gap it created in the first place. Despite plenty of trial and error taking place since 2024, many supply chains have not integrated GenAI into their day-to-day workflows, but this is changing.

Practical implementation example:
Platforms like IBM watsonx Orchestrate are designed to automate tasks within the supply chain, including procurement strategies and demand forecasting. IBM watsonx Orchestrate offers scalable AI solutions tailored for enterprise applications, providing automated decision-making, and real-time insights, to bridge skills gaps in logistics and procurement teams.
4. Retailers will revisit how they orchestrate and manage their inventory. With real-time inventory data that shows what stock is available now and in back-order transit, retailers can know for certain what they can provide to their consumers (as well as promise to them). They will also be able to provide timely updates should any disruptions occur.
Practical implementation example:
Adopting real-time inventory management systems like Zebra Technologies’ SmartLens can enhance inventory tracking across multiple locations. For example, Walmart has collaborated with Zebra to implement Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inventory management technology into their supply chain, improving inventory accuracy and enhancing the shopper experience.
Upskill Your Supply Chain Team with IMM Graduate School
As businesses gear up for the challenges ahead in 2025, upskilling the workforce becomes an essential part of staying competitive. The IMM Graduate School offers a range of supply chain qualifications designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains.
Start your journey towards a smarter, more resilient supply chain today. Learn more about IMM Graduate School’s supply chain qualifications and how they can help your team thrive in 2025.

Conclusion
Every supply chain is unique and will face its own challenges. However, since change appears to be the most consistent constant in the supply chain industry, managers will need to remain agile, adaptable and well-informed. Embracing technology and benchmarking off leading businesses is the best way forward.