A new report from Cleo shows that more business leaders are treating supply chain resilience as seriously as cybersecurity. According to the 2025 Global Supply Chain Executive Report, 83% of executives say resilience is just as important for keeping their operations running. That’s why many companies are speeding up their investment in automation, real-time data, and AI.

The survey found that rising customer demands are at the heart of these changes. The top expectations include better product quality (79%), faster delivery (75%), and improved customer service (66%). “As customer expectations rise and global challenges evolve, businesses can no longer afford to react—they must proactively anticipate and adapt,” said Tushar Patel, CMO at Cleo.

Geopolitical issues are also adding pressure. Three out of four executives said they’re worried about how global conflicts, inflation, tariffs, and changing regulations could impact supply chains in the next two years. In response, 93% are already using or planning to use automation, while 66% say real-time data helps improve decisions and customer service.

AI is gaining ground, too. Nearly half of executives (47%) consider AI to help automate processes, predict problems, and make smarter decisions. “By leveraging automation, real-time data integrations, and artificial intelligence, businesses can create a competitive advantage,” Patel said.

Sustainability is another growing concern. With nearly half of customers demanding more environmentally friendly practices, 97% of companies now have a sustainability program in place. Their top reasons? to stand out as responsible leaders and to cut costs.