As supply chains focus on boosting continuity and efficiency in 2025, they’re looking to warehouse management systems and other cutting-edge applications to cope with demand fluctuations, potential disruptions and rising costs.

WMS data can help companies diversify, predict and enable flexibility within the supply chain. They can better anticipate shifts in consumer spending, and proactively adjust inventory strategies to navigate inflationary pressures and financial downturns.

In addition, advanced forecasting tools based on artificial intelligence can analyze historical economic trends, consumer purchasing behavior, and other supply chain dynamics to optimize stock levels.

An example of proactive supply chain planning is Amazon.com’s shortening of delivery times by strategically decentralizing inventory. By building hyper-local warehouses and pickup locations for independent delivery drivers, the company has created a more responsive and agile distribution network — one that can service spikes in demand with same-day delivery.

Relying on a single supplier or carrier can be risky when market fluctuations, labor shortages or financial instability disrupt production and transportation. Companies need to diversify their supplier base, warehouse locations and transportation providers to ensure flexibility when economic conditions shift. A WMS that’s integrated with a transportation management system (TMS) can help, by dynamically adjusting suppliers and carriers in real time.

The WMS can generate real-time inventory data for load consolidation and routing. Companies can optimize shipments based on fluctuating weekly demand, and dynamically adjust routes to balance cost and delivery speed. In addition, the use of advanced shipping notices (ASNs) to enhance supply chain visibility provides early insights into inventory availability.

Technology allows businesses to swiftly adjust logistics by rerouting shipments, pausing outgoing orders, and reallocating stock from more stable locations. Predictive analytics analyze historical demand patterns and supply chain interruptions. But even the best planning can’t eliminate all risks. This is where real-time analytics become critical. In the event of an unanticipated disruption, real-time data enables businesses to quickly identify inventory gaps and recalibrate supply chain operations for a faster recovery.

Good reporting should prompt action. Prime examples of reports that can drive necessary adjustments are those that highlight inventory shortages or damages, changing hourly or daily labor needs, and same-day “hot loads,” where inbound product is needed immediately to fill outbound orders. Real-time reporting includes the ability to schedule pickups, flag damaged materials, assign drivers to dock doors based on shortest distance, verify inventory levels on the fly, and reference electronic documents instantly.

To build resilience against economic uncertainty, businesses must take the following proactive steps:

Continuous monitoring and adaptation with WMS reports. Businesses can track inventory trends, identify inefficiencies, and adapt to shifting demand patterns. Dynamic and interactive dashboards enable them to make informed decisions and prevent stockouts or overstocking in volatile markets.

Investment in automation, no matter how unsophisticated. When most people think of automation, they think of robotics and AI networks. Yet there are huge efficiencies to be gained from translating common manual processes into systematic approaches, such as pallet license-plating, labor planning calculations, pick-route optimization, work queues, RFID tracing, automatic ship-confirms, directed put-away, and label printing tracking.

Enhanced collaboration with suppliers and logistics partners. Stronger relationships through integrated data systems foster better communication and faster response times. Visibility across the supply chain enables businesses to quickly adjust sourcing, transportation, and distribution strategies to mitigate financial risks and ensure continuity. Implementing electronic data interchange and application programming interfaces with trading partners strengthens the supply chain network, creating a seamless flow of information. When every node can share data efficiently, the entire system becomes more resilient and responsive.

In times of economic uncertainty, building a resilient supply chain is crucial. Investing in the right tools now will allow companies to navigate disruptions with confidence, ensuring efficiency and stability in an unpredictable world.

Amy Dean is vice president of operations with SC Codeworks.