**Global**: Cleo’s 2025 Global Supply Chain Executive Report highlights the impact of rising customer expectations, with executives prioritising product quality and faster delivery while grappling with geopolitical challenges and the need for sustainability in supply chains.
Cleo, a leading provider of ecosystem integration software, has released its 2025 Global Supply Chain Executive Report, highlighting the significant shifts in supply chain strategy driven by rising customer expectations. The report surveyed various companies and found that a majority of executives are facing pressures to enhance product quality, expedite delivery times, and provide better customer service. Specifically, 79% of executives cited higher product quality as a top priority, with 75% emphasising the importance of faster delivery, and 66% highlighting the need for improved customer service.
Amid these demands, 75% of the executives expressed concerns about geopolitical issues that may impact global supply chains over the next two years. Among the economic challenges identified in the report are inflation (60%), regulatory changes (35%), and tariffs (33%). The report underscores that the resilience of the supply chain has become as critical as cybersecurity, with 83% of respondents ranking it equally important.
Tushar Patel, CMO at Cleo, noted, “As customer expectations rise and global challenges evolve, businesses can no longer afford to react—they must proactively anticipate and adapt.” He emphasised the need for companies to build agile and resilient supply chains to maintain seamless and competitive operations in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Investment in technology appears pivotal for enhancing operational resilience. The report found that 93% of companies currently utilise or plan to implement automation in the next two years, primarily aimed at improving efficiency in supply chain operations and customer service. Additionally, 66% of executives believe that real-time data can significantly enhance decision-making and customer service, while 55% are considering artificial intelligence to improve the overall customer experience.
Furthermore, sustainability has emerged as a major concern, with 47% of customers expecting higher standards of environmental responsibility. The report indicates that 97% of companies have established sustainability programmes, aiming not only to fulfil customer expectations but also to reduce operational costs and position themselves as industry leaders.
The findings of the report reflect a growing recognition among business leaders that integrating environmental considerations into long-term supply chain strategies can align with financial goals and enhance customer satisfaction. As businesses continue to adapt to rising expectations and fluctuating global conditions, the focus on both efficiency and sustainability may redefine supply chain management in the years to come.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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