The world of supply chains has transformed dramatically in recent years. What was once seen as a behind-the-scenes operational function is now recognized as the backbone of business continuity.

The insights shared below were gathered by Hélène Isermeyer during TFest24, a supply chain transformation event that brought together leaders, practitioners, and innovators to tackle the challenges of our era.

From Background to Backbone

Supply chains have evolved beyond their traditional "dark-matter" status, becoming essential to business continuity. With disruptions happening weekly—whether due to geopolitical tensions, climate events, or global health crises—supply chain leaders must anticipate, adapt, and build for resilience.

Planning for "what could happen" is no longer optional, because it will happen. According to a 2023 McKinsey report, companies with resilient supply chains recover 40% faster from disruptions than those without proactive risk management strategies.

Today’s Investment is Tomorrow’s Saving

The case for investing in sustainable and digital supply chains is stronger than ever. Leaders shared a recurring theme: prioritizing long-term security over short-term savings. Efforts toward decent working conditions, greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and digital transformation are not just moral imperatives—they’re future-proofing strategies.

A study by Accenture Strategy reveals that companies with strong sustainability commitments are 2.5 times more likely to be top financial performers within their industries. Moreover, investments in digital supply chain solutions can reduce operating costs by up to 30%, offering significant long-term value beyond initial expenditures.

The Talent Imperative

As the supply chain function grows in complexity, the demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. To navigate constant change, teams need digitally-savvy, curious, and adaptable individuals. All leaders part of the event agreed that future-ready organizations are those embracing a "reskilling revolution," empowering employees to learn, relearn, unlearn, and innovate within evolving roles. Attracting top talent requires sincerity: companies must go beyond superficial gestures to demonstrate meaningful commitments to sustainability and resilience.

Regional: Not Global or Local

Resilience often requires rethinking global models. While "local-only" approaches may limit growth, regionally focused supply chains strike a balance between flexibility and continuity.

Deep supply chain mapping and fostering collaborative, non-transactional relationships are essential to this transformation. Leaders increasingly see partnerships, even with competitors, as vital to addressing systemic challenges in today’s volatile landscape.

AI: No Longer Optional

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern supply chain management. From predictive analytics to real-time tracking and advanced risk management, AI tools are transforming decision-making.

According to Gartner, 50% of global supply chain organizations are expected to invest in AI solutions by 2025. The consensus at #TFest24 was clear: the future of supply chains is digital, with AI leading the charge alongside organizational change.

Sustainability: The New Business-as-Usual

Sustainable supply chains are no longer an ideal—they are a necessity. Integrating sustainability into supply chains is as fundamental as ensuring safety at manufacturing sites. CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) data shows that companies embedding sustainability in their supply chains managed to achieve emissions reductions of 619 million metric tons, saving US$33.7 billion in the process. These companies also report stronger operational efficiency and long-term profitability, while they had not planned for immediate ROI in the first place.

Final Thoughts

(Sustainable) supply chain transformation is not a trend; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s through embracing sustainability, attracting the right talent, or leveraging the power of AI, companies must rethink their strategies to thrive in an increasingly complex world. The time to act is now. Those who invest in transformation today are securing their future tomorrow.

Author(s) : Hélène Trehin Isermeyer. Thanks to the organisers of #TFest2024 at Future Insights Network for the incredible quality of the panelists and sessions.