A recent study reveals that 76% of supply chain executives feel unprepared for disruptions, with over 90% relying on gut decisions due to insufficient data insights. Despite spending nearly 14 hours weekly on data tracking, only 24% have a predictive view of supply and demand. Bharat Thakre, a leader in the field, emphasizes the need for AI and sustainable practices to transform supply chains globally.
Supply Chain Executives Struggle with Data Insights and Preparedness for Disruptions
Recent studies indicate that 76% of supply chain executives feel unprepared for disruptions, highlighting a significant challenge within the industry. The overwhelming reliance on gut decisions, due to insufficient data insights, underscores the need for technological advancement and strategic planning.
Data Management Challenges
Supply chain executives spend an average of nearly 14 hours each week tracking data. Despite this substantial investment of time, 76% of these leaders lack a predictive view of supply and demand, which is crucial for effective decision-making. The absence of actionable insights is evident, with over 90% of executives resorting to gut decisions due to insufficient data.
The reliance on outdated systems further exacerbates the issue. Executives report that 48% of current systems are too ingrained to adapt to modern challenges, and 44% cite technology stack limitations as significant barriers to real-time data integration. Additionally, 55% of executives acknowledge a deficiency in staff skills and training, which hampers the ability to leverage real-time data effectively.
Technological Innovations and Adoption
While 37% of supply chain executives have embraced digital twin technologies to replicate supply-chain processes, the majority still grapple with integrating cutting-edge tools. Effective automation in supply chains requires a phased approach—described as crawl, walk, run—yet many organizations find themselves stuck at the initial stages.
Predictive AI tools are being increasingly recognized for their potential to forecast disruptions and enhance demand forecasting. Machine learning, combined with historical data and trends, offers a promising avenue for better planning and prevention of major delays. However, only 24% of executives have achieved a predictive view of supply and demand.
Improving Supply Chain Resilience
Efforts to improve supply chain resilience are ongoing, with 47% of executives successfully using data to enhance logistics and inventory management. Real-time data has enabled 45% of these leaders to identify changes in demand, while 44% have improved collaboration through actionable insights.
Despite these advancements, supply chain unpredictability remains a constant challenge. The complexity of supply chains continues to increase, necessitating strong supplier compliance programs and regular audits to mitigate risks. AI tools are enhancing visibility into evolving regulations and identifying risks in real time, offering a pathway to better risk management.
Bharat Thakre: A Visionary in Supply Chain Management
Bharat Thakre stands out as a globally recognized leader in supply chain, logistics, and operations, with more than 16 years of experience at industry giants like General Electric and Amazon. His contributions to the field have been significant, earning him the Global Achievers Award (2024–2025) for his transformative vision in supply chain management.
Thakre has been instrumental in initiatives that leverage AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to create sustainable supply chains. He has played pivotal roles in projects such as India's largest solar power facility and Amazon's $400 billion Inbound Regionalization initiative. Thakre's approach to integrating AI with sustainable logistics continues to redefine how goods move globally.
As a proponent of innovation in operations and technology, Thakre champions AI literacy, mentorship, and sustainable business practices. He envisions a future where business efficiency and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive but rather symbiotic, with the next decade of logistics being data-driven, AI-enabled, and sustainability-focused.
“The next decade of logistics will be data-driven, AI-enabled, and sustainability-focused.” — Bharat Thakre
As the supply chain landscape evolves, the emphasis on data-driven strategies and technological integration becomes increasingly critical. Addressing the challenges of data management, technological adoption, and workforce training will be essential for supply chain executives aiming to enhance resilience and preparedness for future disruptions.