As the world continues to become increasingly digitized, businesses are struggling to keep up with ever-changing trends and demands. In this article, we take a look at six of the most important supply chain trends that will be affecting businesses in 2022. By understanding these trends, you can ensure that your company is prepared for whatever comes next!
Rise of the Machines
The rise of machines has had a profound impact on the global supply chain, and there are six key trends that are driving this change.
- Robotics and artificial intelligence are helping to automate many tasks in the supply chain.
- This has reduced the need for human input and increased efficiency, while also reducing costs.
- The rise of e-commerce has led to a boom in online orders and a corresponding reduction in traditional physical transactions. This has led to a shift towards more automated supply chains, where products can be delivered directly to consumers.
- The rise of China sourcing company in the global economy has made China an important player in the global supply chain. Chinese manufacturers are often able to produce products at lower costs than their Western counterparts, which has driven the growth of the global supply chain phenomenon known as “made in China”.
- The growth of cross-border trade is leading to a move away from centralized production networks towards regional production networks. This is because it allows for better coordination between suppliers and allows for greater flexibility in response to changes in demand.
Shifting Trade Patterns
Trade patterns are shifting and this is having a major impact on global supply chains. Here are some of the key trends that are impacting supply chains:
- Shifting trade patterns are causing manufacturers to move production out of countries that have been struggling economically in recent years. This has led to companies manufacturing their products in countries that are more economically stable, such as China and Mexico and they are also taking help from procurement consulting firms.
- The growth of e-commerce is also impacting trade patterns. Many companies now ship their products directly to consumers without involvement from a third-party supplier. This has made it easier for companies to find new suppliers in countries where they may not have been able to before.
- The increasing popularity of robotics is also causing changes in the global supply chain. Robots can perform tasks that would normally be performed by human workers, such as welding and assembly lines. As a result, many factories are moving away from using human workers altogether and instead relying on robots to do the job.
- Another trend that is affecting the global supply chain is the growth of franchising. This is when a company contracts with another company to provide goods or services on behalf of the original company.
More Strategic Collaborations
One of the key trends impacting global supply chain is the rise in strategic collaborations. This is due to the increased need for companies to work together to achieve common goals.
- One example of a company that has embraced this trend is HP. HP teamed up with Dell and Lenovo to create the HP Enterprise Services Alliance. This alliance allows HP to provide its customers with faster and more reliable product delivery.
- Another key trend impacting global supply chain is the growth of e-commerce. e-Commerce is driving a shift away from traditional methods of shopping, such as going to a store and buying something physical. Instead, people are increasingly buying products online.
- This trend has had a significant impact on global supply chain, as it has made it easier for companies to get products into the hands of consumers. It has also created new opportunities for companies who sell goods online. For example, Amazon now sells products from many different suppliers, which makes it easier for customers to find what they are looking for.
