What’s Next for Supply Chains
Inflation and economic uncertainty remain top-of-mind concerns for many supply chain leaders based on MHI’s 2025 Annual Industry Report:
- 38% cite inflation as a key issue
- 37% are concerned with ongoing economic volatility
- 35% of companies are struggling to attract and retain talent
- 28% of businesses emphasized the need for systems that can flex and scale with real-time market demands
These pressures are driving warehouse operators and 3PLs to invest in agile technologies that allow them to adapt quickly to market shifts, rising costs, and regulatory changes. In our whitepaper ‘How Low Code Application Platforms Are Improving WMS’, we explain how low-code platforms are transforming warehouse management by offering:
- Rapid adaptability to evolving business needs
- Seamless integration with modern technologies like AI and robotics
- Enhanced scalability to handle increasing data volumes
Inventory complexity is another operational pressure highlighted in the report:
- 25% of companies are facing growing challenges with stock visibility and accuracy
With more SKUs, more fulfillment channels, and higher expectations for accuracy, traditional inventory management methods are falling short. In our blog, The Gaps and Risks in WMS Solutions — and How Datex Footprint® Solves Them, we share how our WMS platform provides:
- Real-time tracking
- Robust compliance features
- Dynamic reporting to address modern inventory needs
Artificial intelligence and automation are the most transformative trends outlined:
- 28% of companies currently use AI
- 82% plan to adopt AI by 2029
- 83% expect to implement robotics and automation
Datex is meeting this moment with Datex Studio, a low-code application platform that lets users:
- Visually design workflows
- Automate key tasks
- Integrate systems with minimal development resources
“Datex Studio allows operations teams to create automations and integrations with little to no code—cutting down deployment time and dependency on developers.”
Why End-to-End Orchestration Is Now Essential
The MHI report makes a powerful case for end-to-end orchestration as the future standard in supply chain strategy. Leading organizations are unifying data, integrating systems, and empowering teams with AI-driven insights.
Benefits of E2E orchestration include:
- Improved forecasting and decision-making
- Faster onboarding and technology scaling
- Enhanced sustainability tracking across the value chain
- Reduced manual errors and improved customer satisfaction
By connecting every node in the supply chain—from planning and sourcing to fulfillment and returns—organizations can achieve resilience, visibility, and profitability.
From Insight to Action: What You Can Do Now
To capitalize on the insights from the 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report, here’s how to move forward:
Start by watching the summary podcast for a concise overview of the key themes. It offers valuable context to help you position your strategy.