Gartner Reveals 2025 Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 Rankings and Trends

On November 19, 2025, Gartner published its 17th annual Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 report, highlighting leading entities and emerging trends within the sector. The report identifies significant trends and innovations, including cost management, digital supply chain advancements, and clinical collaboration, shaping the landscape of healthcare logistics and operations.

Key Trends Shaping the 2025 Landscape

The report outlines three pivotal trends anticipated to influence healthcare supply chains in 2025. These include cost management, digital supply chain integration, and enhanced clinical collaboration. Each trend reflects a strategic focus aimed at improving efficiency, reducing expenses, and fostering partnerships within the healthcare sector.

Cost management has become a core priority, with top performers implementing large-scale savings initiatives. Healthcare systems are increasingly using consolidated service centers and emphasizing strategic sourcing to streamline operations and control expenses.

Digital Supply Chain and Technological Innovations

Digital transformation is accelerating within the healthcare supply chain. Providers are investing in AI and automation solutions to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency. These digital initiatives include the deployment of control towers, which provide real-time visibility into supply chain activities, and the use of RFID technology for inventory accuracy.

Furthermore, healthcare organizations are adopting cloud-based platforms and utilizing analytics for data-driven insights. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of global trade activities, ensuring a more responsive and agile supply chain.

Advancements in Clinical Collaboration

Clinical collaboration has emerged as a top priority for leading health systems. Initiatives aimed at optimizing procedure cards are helping to reduce supplier variance and improve compliance within healthcare supply chains. This approach deepens partnerships between clinical and supply chain teams, fostering a more integrated operational model.

The adoption of the 'dyad' model for leadership alignment is also noted as a key strategy, facilitating better coordination and decision-making across various levels of healthcare organizations.

Ranking Methodology and Recognized Entities

The Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking methodology combines quantitative and qualitative assessments to determine the leaders in the field. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of supply chain performance are evaluated, providing a holistic view of organizational capabilities.

Four health systems were recognized for their outstanding performance in supply chain management. These organizations have demonstrated excellence in cost control and the implementation of automation in supply chain processes.

"Persistent manufacturing bottlenecks in life sciences continue to challenge supply chains, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and strategic planning." - Gartner Report

Gartner's report, initially published on November 1, 2025, underscores the importance of adapting to ongoing challenges and embracing technological advancements to maintain resilience and efficiency in healthcare supply chains.