Reinventing Supply Chains 2030 study revealed that global supply chains are under unprecedented pressure , affected by factors such as geopolitical conflicts, technological transformations and the need to mitigate the impact of climate change, creating an increasingly complex environment for companies.
In this context, adaptability becomes a matter of survival. The study shed light on how companies are facing these challenges and what strategies they are adopting to prepare for the future.
According to the study, which includes the opinion of more than a thousand global leaders and supply chain directors in Mexico, the outlook is worrying. Only 12% of companies manage to adapt their supply chain to a truly resilient approach , capable of withstanding the disruptions that lie ahead. Meanwhile, 52% of companies are in the midst of initiatives to strengthen their chains, and 36% are still in the planning phase.
According to the study, this lack of preparation is alarming , given that supply chain disruptions can have disastrous consequences, including operational downtime, increased costs and lost sales.
However, some companies are taking the lead by investing in the resilience of their supply chains, allowing them to anticipate and mitigate risks before they become major problems.
In this context and in an effort to reduce exposure to disruptions, many companies are betting on nearshoring . 83% of supply chain leaders surveyed by PwC considered this practice to be crucial to improve delivery times, reduce transportation costs and minimize the carbon footprint.
In addition to nearshoring , the study highlights the growing importance of complying with ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria .
Pressure from regulators and multilateral bodies has increased significantly, forcing companies to be more transparent and sustainable in their operations .
However, only 12% of the companies surveyed have fully implemented key capabilities, such as circular designs and ESG-based planning.
Most companies are still in the early stages, suggesting that many could face difficulties in complying with future regulations if they do not accelerate their efforts.
Sustainability is also a challenge for supply chains. It is no longer just about reducing costs; companies must consider the environmental and social impact of their operations.
Leading companies are beginning to implement decarbonization strategies and strengthen their communication channels with partners and suppliers to ensure that everyone complies with ESG standards.
Additionally, the PwC study also addresses the growing talent shortage in the logistics and supply chain sector , a problem due to demographic evolution and new work expectations. In light of this, automation and the implementation of intelligent processes emerge as key solutions to address this shortage.
PwC explained in the analysis that 75% of companies that have implemented these technologies report an improvement in efficiency and a greater capacity to respond to disruptions. However, the adoption of these technologies requires a significant investment in training and developing new skills, something that many companies have not yet fully addressed.
As technology advances, businesses are forced to adapt or risk being left behind. Tools like Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the way supply chains operate, allowing companies to foresee problems before they occur and optimize their operations in real time.
Despite these advances, only 4% of the companies surveyed achieved full integration of these technologies , with many still struggling with the complexity and cost of migrating to new systems.
The study highlighted that resilience, sustainability and technological adoption are fundamental pillars on which the supply chain of the future must be built and that those organizations that lead this change will have a significant competitive advantage in an increasingly uncertain world.
To foster dialogue on nearshoring opportunities , Grupo T21 will host the Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL) on October 9 and 10 in Nuevo León. With the central theme Maximizing logistics opportunities with nearshoring , the event will bring together prominent industry leaders in Mexico.
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