As global trade tensions escalate and geopolitical risks multiply, companies are turning to technology to find solutions for sustainable growth. A recent study by Descartes Systems Group reveals that supply chain leaders are increasingly relying on technological solutions to overcome these challenges.
The survey of 978 industry leaders found technology has become a critical pillar of corporate growth strategies. Seventy-four percent of respondents consider technology essential, with this figure jumping to 88% among companies expecting over 15% growth in the next two years.
Trade Barriers and Supply Chain Disruptions: Key Challenges
The report identifies tariff barriers, trade conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty as primary obstacles for businesses. These factors collectively increase the complexity of global trade, threatening operational efficiency and profitability.
Global Trade Intelligence: The Preferred Technological Solution
When asked which technologies offer the most value, 36% of respondents ranked global trade intelligence as their top choice for the coming two years. Global trade analytics followed at 27%, with supply chain mapping close behind at 26%.
Global trade intelligence provides real-time updates on trade policies, tariff regulations, and compliance requirements, enabling better decision-making and risk reduction. Trade analytics helps companies mine vast datasets to uncover business opportunities and efficiency gains, while supply chain mapping offers comprehensive visibility to identify bottlenecks and vulnerabilities.
Industry-Specific Priorities: Manufacturing and Wholesale Lead Adoption
The study revealed distinct sectoral preferences, with manufacturing, wholesale, financial services, and retail industries particularly favoring global trade intelligence solutions. These trade-intensive sectors remain especially sensitive to policy and regulatory changes.
Strategic Technology Investments for Long-Term Growth
The findings demonstrate that supply chain leaders now view technology not as supplementary tools but as fundamental drivers of sustainable growth. Investments in trade intelligence, analytics, and mapping solutions help businesses navigate trade complexity, enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and gain competitive advantages.
Expert Perspective: Technology Builds Supply Chain Resilience
Industry analysts emphasize that increasingly complex trade environments demand greater supply chain resilience. Advanced technologies enable better risk prediction, resource optimization, and rapid response capabilities, helping companies capitalize on opportunities amid uncertainty.
The Future: Technology-Driven Supply Chain Transformation
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain promise to revolutionize supply chain management. Companies must proactively adopt these innovations and strengthen digital capabilities to secure strategic positions in global trade.
The Descartes study delivers a clear message: in today's challenging trade environment, technology represents the critical differentiator for business success. Only organizations that effectively leverage technological solutions will achieve sustainable growth.
Case Study: Technology Delivers Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains
One multinational manufacturer implemented a global trade intelligence system to monitor U.S.-China tariff policy changes. By analyzing tariff structures, the company relocated some production to lower-tariff countries, significantly reducing costs. Simultaneously, trade analytics tools helped identify new market opportunities, driving revenue growth.
Strategic Recommendations for Technology Implementation
To maximize technological benefits, businesses should:
Develop clear digital strategies: Align technology investments with specific business objectives and operational requirements.
Select appropriate solutions: Carefully evaluate available technologies to identify optimal fits for organizational needs.
Invest in workforce development: Cultivate digital competencies across teams to ensure effective technology utilization.
Foster collaborative ecosystems: Partner with technology providers and logistics specialists to accelerate digital transformation.