Digitalization in SCM rethought: integrated, standardized, in real-time
The digitalization of Supply Chain Management (SCM) is no longer uncharted territory for most companies – strategically it is firmly anchored, but operationally it is often not consistently implemented. This is shown by the results of the 22nd SupplyX Barometer. Many of the 150 companies surveyed know that they need to become more digital in order to remain resilient, efficient, and competitive. However, in practice, it often becomes apparent that the potentials of digital technologies are only partially exploited.
Strategic relevance is clear, but integration is lacking
82 percent of the logistics managers surveyed consider digitalization to be essential for the competitiveness of their company. In medium-sized companies, this figure even stands at 100 percent. Nevertheless, practice shows a different picture. Only 41 percent of companies report that they are already digitally connected with their customers or partners. This is remarkable, as seamless data flows across company boundaries are a prerequisite for efficient and resilient supply chains.
The lack of integration limits responsiveness, for example, in the case of supply shortages or geopolitical disruptions. Information remains stuck in data silos, processes are not consistently automated and transparent. However, a digitally connected supply chain enables the agility and adaptability that global markets demand.
Standardized data as a foundation for progress
Another central theme is the standardization of data. Two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) see a uniform data basis as essential for efficient digital processes. This assessment is particularly pronounced among companies with 250 to 1,000 employees: 92 percent of them recognize the need for structured, compatible formats. Without standardized data, technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, or real-time analytics fall short of their potential.
Real-time systems make supply chains agile
The 22nd SupplyX Barometer shows: Real-time systems are also considered a key factor for modern supply chains. 48 percent of the logistics managers surveyed attribute great importance to them for agile management – among medium-sized companies, this share even stands at 92 percent. Whether forecasts, incident responses, or precise planning: real-time information provides the basis for operational excellence.
However, the path to this is challenging: 59 percent of respondents find the integration of new technologies complex and fraught with risk, and among large companies with more than 1,000 employees, it is even 80 percent. This assessment is likely due in part to the multitude of potential systems, their connection to the existing infrastructure, and partially lacking competencies of the employees.
22nd SupplyX Barometer: Consistently implement digitalization
The survey shows: Digitalization is clearly recognized as a path to the future. However, for it to become a competitive advantage, networking, data standardization, and technology integration must be consistently implemented.
These and other exciting results from our 22nd SupplyX Barometer on the topic of "Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management" are available here for free download.
To download the barometer