Information Services Group (ISG), a technology research and advisory firm, has announced the launch of a research study focused on supply chain service providers. As enterprises strive for more resilient and adaptable supply chains in the face of rapid technological changes and geopolitical uncertainties, the study aims to identify the firms best equipped to assist them. According to ISG, the findings will be presented in a series of Provider Lens reports scheduled for release in September 2025, covering various aspects of supply chain management, including consulting, operations modernisation, and implementation of circular supply chain systems.
Jan Erik Aase, a partner and global leader at ISG Provider Lens Research, stated that businesses must continuously adapt their supply chains to maintain competitiveness, responding to pressures ranging from economic disruptions to the demands for efficiency and sustainability. The need for agility in supply chain operations is underscored by insights from other industry experts, who have noted that many companies are increasingly turning to advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance supply chain visibility and optimise operations. These technologies provide companies with the real-time data necessary to manage complex logistics networks more effectively.
Market dynamics further complicate the landscape. Recent reports indicate a notable increase in the complexity of global trade, especially due to factors like the pandemic and rising tariffs. The experiences shared by logistics firms, such as Kuehne+Nagel, highlight how companies are leveraging these challenges to offer higher-value related services, particularly consultative support to navigate evolving trade tensions. With geopolitical issues affecting supply logistics, companies are prioritising the establishment of resilient and efficient supply chains as a strategic necessity.
ISG’s research will involve surveys distributed to over 100 supply chain service providers as part of its effort to create a comprehensive overview of the market landscape. The findings will segment providers into four quadrants based on service offerings, reflecting a diverse range of solutions aimed at modernising supply chains and enhancing sustainability through practices like reuse and remanufacturing.
In light of increasing risks associated with supply chain management, experts have also pointed to the shifting focus of procurement strategies among businesses. Traditional cost-reduction approaches are being replaced by more strategic initiatives that emphasise optimisation and time reduction on the market. This mirrors a broader trend in enterprises seeking modular and scalable procurement solutions, which can be tailored to specific industry needs and digital maturity levels.
As the ISG study progresses, it will be closely observed how the evolving landscape of global trade and technological advancements influence both the supply chain service providers and the enterprises reliant on their expertise. The emphasis on continuous adaptation, operational efficiency, and enhanced capabilities is expected to reshape how supply chains function in an increasingly complex business environment, pushing service providers to innovate and evolve alongside their clients’ needs.
This initiative by ISG reflects the growing recognition among businesses of the crucial role supply chain adaptability plays in securing a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market. With the increasing integration of AI and advanced analytics in supply chain strategies, the potential for transformation in this sector continues to expand.
Reference Map
[1] ISG Press Release
[2] Financial Times Article on Supply Chain Visibility
[3] Reuters Article on Kuehne+Nagel
[4] Financial Times Article on SAP CEO’s Concerns
[5] ISG Press Release on Procurement Strategies
[6] ISG Press Release on Digital Supply Chains
[7] Arkieva Webpage on Gartner Magic Quadrant Recognition
Source: Noah Wire Services
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