This year starts a new growth cycle , driven by a surge of optimism among CEOs. After years of uncertainty and disruption, business leaders will transition from survival mode to a growth-oriented mindset. With supply chain challenges stabilizing and technological advancements picking up pace, CEOs will gain the confidence to make bold investments in innovation, talent development, and strategic expansion. – JOE GALVIN , Chief Research Ocer, Vistage
Disruption? No problem. More organizations than one would expect will carry on without much disruption when the next Black Swan happens—whether it’s an avian influenza pandemic, a catastrophic storm, or an unexpected outbreak of hostilities elsewhere. Certainly, many organizations failed to learn the lessons of the pandemic. But predictive AI, multi-sourcing, and investment in increasing supply chain resiliency will enable a surprising number of companies to carry on with little disruption to operations. – STEVE BASSAW , Product Manager, SYSPRO
INTERNET OF THINGS
Many companies will require an entirely new frontline model due to persistent talent challenges. Previously, distribution faced truck driver shortages. Now,
IoT standardization will become critical for traceability and transparency in food and beverage. Recent large-scale foodborne illness outbreaks like those at McDonald’s, Boar’s Head, and others are driving an increased focus on traceability and transparency. As a result, expect higher investment in technology, such as IoT standardization, as well as tighter sourcing scrutiny. IoT standardization on temperature and sensory data will also be critical for traceability and transparency in pharma, high- tech, and high-value goods. – STEPHEN DYKE , Principal Solutions Consultant Manager, FourKites foodborne and technology, sourcing
U.S. manufacturers must address a labor shortage.
manufacturing leads with an expected 8% labor shortage by 2030. The U.S. labor market faces a 1.6 million
shortfall. 36% of U.S. manufacturing employees plan to leave within 3-6 months, causing high attrition. This turnover, combined with new hire learning curves and digital transformations lacking sustained impact, creates labor productivity issues. The situation demands increased focus on labor productivity. – ALBERTO OCA , Partner, McKinsey & Company Climate change and corresponding resource scarcities will play a much bigger part in the global supply chain. We used to see a predictable seasonality for fruit, as a nationwide mover of produce, but 2024 weather pushed seasonality out of balance and stone fruits barely had a season at all. Supply chain stakeholders will need dierent skilled resources and expertise to respond to these changes and the associated trade disruptions. – JEFF PEPPERWORTH , President and CEO, iGPS Logistics
Diversification intensifies. Supply
chain leaders will adopt procurement strategies that support flexible sourcing (multiple suppliers and locations) and nearshoring to reduce shipping times, transportation costs, and geopolitical risks. Fortifying supply chains to secure critical infrastructure and strengthen national defense
against foreign adversary threats is the focus in the United States. We face an increase in foreign ownership of U.S. companies and a dependency on foreign suppliers, signaling the need for supply chain diversification. – BRIAN FILANOWSKI , General Manager: Finance & Risk and Capital Markets, Dun & Bradstreet Bradstreet
January 2025 • Inbound Logistics 91
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