According to a recent study by Descartes Systems Group, nearly three-quarters of supply chain executives view technology as essential to their company’s growth strategy. The study, which surveyed close to 1,000 supply chain and logistics leaders across Europe, North and South America, and Asia-Pacific, reveals the significant role that technology is playing in helping businesses navigate challenges like tariffs, trade barriers, and geopolitical instability.
As global trade becomes more unpredictable, the need for resilient, agile supply chains is more pressing than ever. The technology solutions that facilitate this transformation are no longer just optional enhancements; they are central to businesses staying competitive. This shift has become more evident as businesses, facing mounting supply chain disruptions, rely on digital tools to streamline operations and improve decision-making.
Global Trade Intelligence
The study found that 74% of supply chain and logistics leaders consider technology fundamental to their growth strategy in the face of rising global trade complexities. This statistic is even more significant for companies forecasting growth above 15% over the next two years, where 88% of respondents emphasized the importance of technology in their plans.
One of the key findings from the survey was that global trade intelligence emerged as the top technology capability necessary for success. More than one-third of respondents (36%) identified it as the critical tool to unlock new opportunities, such as identifying new suppliers, markets, and customers. This capability not only allows businesses to better navigate the intricacies of global trade but also fosters the strategic flexibility that companies need to stay ahead in the market.
Global trade intelligence plays a pivotal role in uncovering trends, spotting emerging markets, and understanding regulatory environments. By integrating intelligence systems into their operations, organizations can respond proactively to disruptions or take advantage of untapped markets, significantly enhancing their ability to remain competitive.
Adopting Technology to Improve Operational Efficiency
While global trade intelligence leads the way, global trade analytics and supply chain mapping were also highlighted as vital for improving operational performance. These capabilities—cited by 27% and 26% of respondents, respectively—offer robust solutions to modern supply chain challenges. Global trade analytics provides essential insights into the supply chain, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions, whether it’s optimizing freight movements, managing costs, or reducing lead times. Similarly, supply chain mapping offers unprecedented visibility across the supply chain, making it easier for companies to identify inefficiencies and proactively manage risks.
The shift toward these tools is not just about solving existing challenges, but about positioning their organizations to capitalize on future opportunities. The combination of global trade intelligence and data-driven analytics gives companies the ability to not only reduce costs but also unlock new growth avenues—whether in new geographical regions or through more optimized product offerings.
Incorporating Technology into Organizational Strategy
As these technologies become more critical, it’s clear that successful organizations are those that can integrate them deeply into their business strategy. The data suggests that companies involved in international trade are increasingly aligning their growth plans with advanced technology capabilities. Yet, the ability to effectively use these tools requires a well-thought-out approach to technology adoption. Businesses must ensure they have the right infrastructure and workforce in place to fully leverage these capabilities.
This means advocating for investment in the necessary technologies and fostering a culture of innovation. Key to this is ensuring that technology adoption is not siloed but is integrated across departments—whether it’s procurement, logistics, or customer relations. A truly agile, resilient supply chain can only be achieved through cross-functional collaboration where technology is embedded into every aspect of the organization.
Looking Ahead: Technology as a Driver of Long-Term Growth
The study reinforces a critical point for the future of supply chain leadership: technology is not just a tool to solve problems, but a key enabler of long-term growth. As companies face new complexities in global trade, they must leverage technology not only to manage risks but to proactively drive value creation. The leaders who invest in global trade intelligence, analytics, and supply chain visibility will be the ones who emerge stronger, with the ability to scale efficiently, adapt to shifting market demands, and sustain growth even in the face of uncertainty.