Innovative ways in supply chain management

4 trends that are moving the world of tomorrow today

Supply chains are the foundation of the global economy. They are a complex network that connects companies, markets, and people around the world. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they are critical to the success and resilience of any business. One thing is clear: the past few years and months have demonstrated once again the impact that unforeseen events can have on supply chains.

The industry is constantly evolving. These 4 top trends in supply chain management are important today and will become even more important for companies worldwide in the coming years:

Digitalization, AI & advanced analytics – sustainable and efficient supply chains through digital transformation

Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) are already part of everyday life in many areas. In supply chain management, they bring transparency and efficiency, enabling companies to proactively respond to market changes. This not only meets regulatory requirements, but also ensures an efficient and economical way of working. Digital technologies such as data analytics, the Internet of Things, and blockchain can help significantly improve supply chains.

Real-time tracking and resilience – the art of adaptability

In a world full of uncertainty, the ability to adapt quickly and remain resilient is essential for companies to survive. No wonder resilience has become the buzzword of our time. Ensuring resilience in the supply chain means minimizing risks while maintaining the agility to respond to unforeseen events. With digital technologies, such as our pacemaker tool, we enable companies to make accurate sales forecasts that allow them to generate better planning figures, reduce unnecessary inventory and save costs.

Sustainability – an imperative for the future

Now more than ever, companies need to be environmentally conscious and socially responsible. Profitability and sustainability can no longer be considered separately. A sustainable supply chain is not only a matter of ethics, but also of business foresight. By integrating sustainability into every decision, we create long-term value for the company and society.

We do this through our sustainability strategy BEYOND. It is based on our vision to create a world in which resources are used in the best possible way. Guided by internationally recognized ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria, we have identified issues that are essential to us and our business success. Our goal is to develop digital solutions that help decarbonize supply chains and respect social standards. We want to be our customers' first choice for sustainable products and services.

With our PCF calculator, we are able to calculate the CO2e footprint of every product in our portfolio at the order and transport level. This is a milestone for the metals industry in particular, as it is the first time reliable and up-to-date carbon footprint data is available. Companies need to be able to calculate and balance the carbon footprint of their products along the entire supply chain in order to consistently reduce their environmental impact. Read more about our initiatives in our Sustainability Report.

Collaborative platforms – stronger together

The lone wolf is a thing of the past, cooperation is the future. Collaborative platforms enable companies to communicate and interact more efficiently across their supply chains, resulting in improved processes and increased productivity. This is the way to thrive in today's connected world. Sharing data improves not only predictability and efficiency, but also trust and cooperation among all companies in a supply chain.

Moving towards a connected future

One thing is for sure – the world of supply chain management will never stand still! By monitoring current trends and developments, companies can best adapt their supply chain management to meet the challenges of the future. The courage to innovate and change is crucial to creating not only a robust, but also a sustainable and responsible business world.