S uccessful companies have long worked to accurately match supply and demand, knowing that mismatches can lead to either excess stock or lost sales, both of which cut into pro t. Now, however, matching supply and demand as closely as possible has become even more critical. A major driver is the rising cost of capital, says Matt Wilson, a principal in the supply chain and industrials practice of SSA & Co., a global management consulting rm. Higher capital costs push many customers to more tightly manage cash, so they’re less willing to commit to large, forward-looking orders or hold excess inventory, Wilson says. Instead, they purchase closer to the time they need the products and often in smaller quantities, while also adjusting orders as demand changes.
January 2026 • Inbound Logistics 101
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