The critical role of data and trusted partners for supply chain resilience

Having experienced consistent disruption in the first half of the year – whether from new tariffs or the geopolitical environment – 68% of supply chain leaders now expect European supply chains to face greater volatility this year than in 2024.

This outlook follows years of disruption that have left their mark on many businesses, teaching powerful lessons in resilience. Today, 70% of European businesses report they can make impactful supply chain decisions within 72 hours of a significant change in market conditions.

We spoke with a select group of customers about the strategies they are putting in place to strengthen their supply chain resilience. Find out what they shared in our video.

Balancing cost and efficiency at times of uncertainty

Today, the question of balancing cost and efficiency mainly centers mainly around inventory – both its visibility and planning. Without it, planning becomes guesswork, and guesswork is no longer acceptable.

We see some businesses increasing stock levels to avoid shortages, while others turn to supplier partners who can shoulder part of that inventory burden for them. While there is no right or wrong approach, companies need to evaluate the cost and risk that come with either decision.

For some companies, diversification of suppliers is another route to resilience - share of supply chain leaders who see supplier diversification as key has risen from 23% in 2024 to 31% in 2025. Yet only 13% see the same need to diversify their manufacturing locations, indicating that a complete reconfiguration of supply chains is unlikely.

These decisions are no longer about cost alone – they are about understanding the risk and opportunity that these decisions carry. How much inventory do businesses want to carry themselves, and where do they want to rely on suppliers? When does outsourcing responsibility become a strategic advantage rather than a risk? There is no universal answer, and every business must define its own balance of cost, risk, and resilience.

The power of data and the right partners for supply chain resilience

The one thing that is clear across the board is that none of these decisions can be made without timely, accurate data. Among leading companies, the consensus is clear – technology and access to data are the most effective routes for improving supply chain resilience.

Enhancing forecasting accuracy and rapidly disseminating planning adjustments were highlighted as areas with the biggest performance improvements, both in the recent survey in collaboration with Reuters, and our round table with customers. Regardless of whether companies want to take on that responsibility themselves, or they want to outsource this responsibility, having timely and accurate data is paramount to being able to make these adjustments.

Ultimately, the message is clear that resilience is not built alone. Companies need cohesive solutions and trusted partners to ensure their supply chains remain strong amid volatility. Data empowers firms to decide early, act decisively, and build the agility needed to thrive in an unpredictable world. The ones that manage to do that will not only survive the next disruption – they will thrive.

Find out more about the state of European supply chains in 2025 in our report made in collaboration with Reuters. Click here to download.