As 2025 approaches, we asked industry leaders from across the supply chain sector to share their predictions for the year ahead. From game-changing AI and machine learning to a big push for resilience, sustainability, and fresh tech ideas, these predictions look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of supply chains. Here’s what experts from Körber, ParkourSC, Zebra, Efficio, SupplyFrame, and Cleo have to say about the trends and strategies that will define 2025.
Craig Moore, Solutions Expert at Körber Supply Chain
Retailers will increasingly view their stores as integral parts of their fulfillment networks. This trend will lead to a shift toward people-led, technology-powered operations. Warehouses will remain critical, but there will be growing adoption of buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) models and micro-fulfillment solutions that leverage inventory wherever it resides. Over the past decade, these concepts have generated significant buzz, and in 2025, we’ll see the deployment of effective solutions to execute these strategies.
Mark Talens, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Solutions Officer at ParkourSC
2025 will be a transformative year for AI and machine learning in the supply chain industry. Organizations will harness extensive data and advanced technology to enable real-time operational decision-making, fundamentally shifting from reactive to proactive management. This evolution will lead to the emergence of integrated Supply Chain Architect roles, replacing traditional siloed functions. Early adopters will gain competitive advantages, with AI and ML driving resilience and unlocking value across end-to-end supply chains.
Andy Zosel, Sr. Vice President at Zebra
Supply chains will shift from constant crisis management to a focus on core business fundamentals like efficiency, automation, and return on investment. With fewer extreme disruptions, the industry will pursue optimized utilization and strategic investments in automation. Contingency planning will become a priority, leveraging AI-driven technologies to enhance resiliency, identify potential disruptions, and implement real-time solutions.
Matt Lekstutis, Director, North America at Efficio
As companies recognize the strategic importance of their data and critical operations, many are moving to insource these functions for greater control, security, and agility. Apple, for example, has progressively brought chip design in-house, creating its M1 and M2 processors to reduce dependency on external suppliers and optimize performance. This shift allows companies to better protect sensitive data, enhance operational efficiency, and align technological advances with their own goals.
Richard Barnett, Chief Marketing Officer at SupplyFrame
Electronics supply chains will prioritize resilience, AI integration, and sustainability. Organizations will focus on identifying low-risk components and increasingly adopt nearshoring strategies to localize their supply base. This approach will reduce risks, improve availability, and enhance overall supply chain sustainability.
Frank Kenney, Director of Industry Solutions at Cleo
The focus of supply chain management will transition from prescriptive analytics to empowering stakeholders with transparent, actionable information. Organizations prioritizing data-driven decision-making will enhance adaptability, resilience, and stakeholder satisfaction. As automation and AI continue to evolve, the emphasis will shift toward supporting informed decisions rather than dictating actions.
Chris Walti, Co-Founder and CEO at Mytra
Growing need for flexible AI in industrial companies: We are going to start to see more emphasis placed on the flexibility of automation. Customers increasingly need technology to adapt to changing conditions. Instead of thinking about product “specifications,” we’re going to start seeing products that offer “dials and levers,” allowing the automation to be configured over time to adapt to changing conditions.
