The supply chain industry is changing and you need to adapt

supply chain link

The supply chain industry is changing and you need to adapt

We’ve already seen the developments in technology over the past 10 years, for example RFID tags have become commonplace, but technology in the next decade is going to change everything about the supply chain industry.

Design, manufacturing, delivery, selling, recycling – every link in the supply chain industry is experiencing massive change.

Some of the changes are simply part of a global problem, others are of the industry’s own making, but one thing is for sure, if your business doesn’t adapt to the changes, you’re going to have a hard time keeping up.

Technology is changing the game

The focus of the customer has shifted from ‘on-shelf availability’ to ‘on-demand availability,’ with the majority of people under 30 now shopping online. Everything from pizza to the weekly food shopping is now available via a mobile phone, so businesses who don’t keep up with the digital side of their sales, need to up their game now and start investing in automation.

online shopping changes supply chain industry

Buying habits have changed

The Fast Fashion trend has appeared out of nowhere for this generation, and caught a lot of retailers off guard.

Social media might be primarily to blame, with Millennials viewing fashion in a very different way to their parents. Seasons don’t really matter any longer, and people under 30 are looking at value in a different way.

Cheaper, more disposable clothing is preferable to long-lasting, high quality material, with clothes only being worn a few times before being thrown out. The Fast Fashion leaders like Zara and H&M are well aware of this, and have created their empires playing to these new rules.

Zara can even go from concept design to shipping in 15 days, allowing them to surf any trend which may suddenly appear in the world of young fashion.

Sustainability is the future

Unfortunately, this quick turn-around in clothing also means more waste, and people are starting to notice.

It is estimated by some experts that the fashion and textile industry is second only to the oil industry when it comes to global pollution. The collection of the raw materials, the chemicals used to treat them, and the environmental impact of transportation, all adds up to an unsustainable future.

Some people in the industry are not just calling for change, but actively trying to bring it about. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is trying to install a Circular Economy, one which is restorative and regenerative by design.

There is an increasing trend for consumers to gravitate towards businesses who aim for an open and more sustainable business practice, and as time moves on and the movement gains momentum, those who don’t adapt and choose to put profit before the planet may find themselves out in the cold.

girl outside in cold

We can help you navigate the future changes in the supply chain industry

There are substantial changes coming to the industry, whether you can predict them or not, but one thing is certain, only those willing to adapt to change will survive.

At immago, we are intensely aware of the issues facing the supply chain industry in the next decade, which is why we constantly have our ear to the ground, listening out for what’s ahead.

We have survived this long in the business by keeping up with the latest news, trends and technologies, always ready to deal with any potential problems on the horizon.

Flexible enough to change with the times, but strong enough to always stay ahead of the curve, immago are the perfect partner to help your business deal with these challenging times.

Whether you’re a fashion designer, garment manufacturer, or anything in between, we can help you adapt to any situation the industry throws at us.

Contact us today if you would like to know more about how we can help your business. Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to help in any way they can.