**London**: Computer Generated Solutions (CGS) reveals its 10th annual Global Supply Chain & Technology Report, showcasing the importance of AI insights and demand planning as industry priorities while addressing key trends and ongoing challenges faced by businesses in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Computer Generated Solutions (CGS) has unveiled its 10th annual Global Supply Chain & Technology Report through its BlueCherry platform, highlighting significant shifts in the supply chain technology landscape over the past decade. This comprehensive report draws insights from over 300 executives across various sectors, including apparel, footwear, accessories, consumer lifestyle goods, retail, and manufacturing.
The report identifies two primary technology priorities for the industry as it looks towards 2025: cultivating AI-driven insights and optimising merchandise demand planning. The need for these advancements underscores a notable evolution in industry priorities, driven by changing technologies, consumer behaviours, and trade environments over the last ten years.
A significant trend revealed in the findings is the emphasis on AI and advanced analytics, with 91% of businesses acknowledging AI-driven insights as crucial for growth. This marks a shift from previous years, with data-driven decision-making becoming an essential capability for companies aiming to thrive in the modern marketplace. Additionally, merchandise demand planning has surged in importance, with 77% of respondents citing the implementation of demand planning technology solutions as a top priority, representing the highest focus on this area in four years. This rise is largely attributed to the industry’s goal of mitigating unforeseen supply chain disruptions.
Another noteworthy change is the growing prioritisation of nearshoring and reshoring, with 45% of businesses now focusing on these strategies, which is a significant increase from a 14% average over the preceding four years. This shift signals a response to global trade complexities and a desire for closer manufacturing sources.
Despite these advancements, longstanding growth strategies persist. The report highlights that new customer acquisition, e-commerce expansion, and the deployment of digital process improvements remain constant focal points for businesses looking to navigate the market effectively.
As the landscape continues to evolve, challenges persist. The report underscores economic and political uncertainty as a pressing concern, with 76% of industry leaders identifying it as a serious or moderate challenge, a rise from 68% in 2024. Comparatively, only 6% had viewed trade policies as a major risk in 2020. Furthermore, while confidence in supply chains is generally steady, 85% of respondents indicate that enhancing visibility remains a critical area for improvement.
Speaking about the importance of the report, Paul Magel, President of the Business Applications and Technology Outsourcing Division at CGS, stated, “Our annual State of Supply Chain & Technology Report has helped fashion and apparel brands navigate a decade dominated by tech-driven disruption.” He emphasised that the findings demonstrate the necessity for better demand planning and access to AI-driven insights, which facilitate smarter and faster decision-making. The report aims to equip clients with the necessary solutions and intelligence to optimise their operations, bolster resilience, and encourage sustainable growth.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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