As vaccines roll out more broadly, and countries begin to get the coronavirus under control, attention will turn to the recovery and a return to normal operations. The supply chain will play an integral role in this effort, and will itself emerge in a different shape, with COVID-19 leaving a lasting legacy on many areas of transportation and warehousing.
Following are the 12 most significant trends expected to shape the industry in 2021, and how those trends will influence companies’ strategic plans in the coming year.
Three trends accelerated by COVID-19. The global pandemic applied pressure to the supply chain in ways not previously seen, forcing many companies to look toward third-party experts, advanced digital capabilities, and accelerated e-commerce operations.
Three trends expected to resurge after COVID-19. With so many lives on hold during this difficult time, COVID-19 has slowed the progress of some existing trends that are expected reemerge in 2021.
Three long-term trends coming out of COVID-19. Given the magnitude of the pandemic, it’s reasonable to expect many lasting effects on the supply chain, most notably a greater emphasis on redundancy, proximity and resilience.
Three short-term trends defining supply chains in 2021. These final three short-term trends shine a light on what we can expect in the immediate future as we begin 2021, and further illustrate the ripple effects that COVID-19 and vaccine distribution will have across the supply chain.
Scott Sureddin is CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America.
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