Supply chains have undergone an unprecedented transformation over the past five years, and the pace of change isn’t slowing down. Companies are looking for new ways to ensure efficiency, transparency and resiliency.

Following are three trends that will have a critical impact on supply chains in 2025. 

The democratization of digitization. For decades, access to advanced supply chain technology was a privilege reserved for companies with the deepest pockets and the largest IT budgets. That’s changing. Digitization is no longer an option — it’s an imperative, and thanks to cloud-based platforms, open-source applications and analytics powered by artificial intelligence, businesses of all sizes can now take part.

The result is a complete transformation of how supply chains operate. Companies that once relied on outdated, fragmented systems can integrate real-time data-sharing, predictive analytics and automation into their daily operations, without needing an army of IT professionals to manage them.

The result is a more connected, transparent, and responsive supply chain. Businesses can now react faster to disruptions, minimize inefficiencies and, most importantly, ensure that products are available where and when they’re needed. What’s more, this new digital infrastructure is designed to be accessible to everyone.

Open-source ERPs. Traditional enterprise resource planning platforms have long been  the backbone of supply chain management, but they come with high costs, restrictive licensing models and limited flexibility. As companies push for more control over their data and operations, open-source ERPs are emerging as a game-changing alternative.

These platforms offer businesses the ability to build and customize their systems without being locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem. Instead of adapting business processes to fit rigid software constraints, companies can design ERPs that align more closely with their organization’s unique needs. And because open-source systems are built with interoperability in mind, they integrate seamlessly with other digital tools — whether that’s AI-driven forecasting, blockchain for traceability, or internet of things-powered asset tracking.

This shift isn’t just about cost savings — it’s about ownership. Organizations want the ability to scale and evolve their systems without depending on a handful of legacy providers. As open-source ERPs continue to mature, they’ll redefine how companies structure and manage their supply chains, moving from static, inflexible systems to dynamic, adaptable architectures.

Measurement of ERP value by supply network integration. ERP systems used to be evaluated based on internal efficiency: Did they automate processes? Did they reduce manual errors? Did they improve reporting? While those factors still matter, today’s supply chains demand more. The real measure of an ERP’s value is how well it integrates with the broader supply network.

A supply chain isn’t just about what happens within the four walls of a company; it’s about how information, goods and decisions flow across a vast and interconnected ecosystem. In 2025, companies will increasingly judge their ERP investments based on how well they connect suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and partners in real time.

The ability to share data seamlessly across the supply chain leads to better forecasting, faster response times, and more efficient inventory management. It also ensures that businesses can adapt quickly to disruptions, whether it’s a raw material shortage, a shift in demand, or a regulatory change.

The evolution of supply chain technology is about rethinking the way that businesses collaborate, operate and innovate. Companies that embrace digitization as a fundamental enabler rather than an afterthought will continue to edge out their competition.

Shabbir Dahod is president and chief executive officer of TraceLink.