A newly released DHL Supply Chain survey warns that global supply chain leaders expect persistent, overlapping disruptions through at least 2030—and many say their current technologies are ill-equipped to manage the challenge.
In the study of more than 1,000 senior supply chain decision-makers, 99% acknowledged the supply chain as critical to business success, but nearly half said their systems are outdated or unable to deliver the resilience, visibility, or automation needed.
Key Disruption Drivers
The top perceived threats include:
- Labor scarcity (66%)
- Natural disasters (63%)
- Trade and policy uncertainty (62%)
- Cybersecurity risks (56%)
Additionally, 73% expect increased reliance on AI tools, particularly in planning and real-time response. However, many companies reported a lack of in-house capability to implement and scale these tools effectively.
Implications for Omnichannel Retail
For Walmart and similar large-scale retailers, these findings are a strategic red flag. Efficient omnichannel execution depends on real-time logistics, predictive inventory flows, and consistent last-mile delivery. If suppliers or third-party logistics providers cannot modernize fast enough, Walmart’s own operations could feel the strain.
Vendors embedded in Walmart’s ecosystem should take note: aligning with the retailer’s advanced supply chain expectations—including data sharing, tech integration, and automation readiness—will increasingly be non-negotiable.
Conclusion
DHL’s findings make clear that supply chain stability isn’t just about crisis management—it’s about systemic transformation. For retailers and partners alike, investing in resilient, intelligent logistics infrastructure will define competitiveness through the rest of the decade.
