GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS
RACE TO MODERNISE AMID
DISRUPTION, ACCORDING
TO LOFTWARE RESEARCH
Loftware, a leader in product
identification and supply chain
transparency, announced the
release of its 2026 Top 5 Trends
Report, revealing that businesses
worldwide are moving urgently
to modernise their supply chains
in the face of unprecedented
disruption, geopolitical uncertainty,
and increasing regulatory demands.

Drawing on insights from more
than 400 supply chain professionals
across 55 countries, the report
highlights a decisive shift toward
connected supplier networks,
real-time packaging intelligence,
and AI-enabled automation as
organisations work to strengthen
resilience and stay competitive in
an unpredictable global landscape.

“The future of supply chains will be
defined by agility and intelligence,”
said Jim Bureau, President &
CEO of Loftware. “Our research
shows that organisations adopting
connected networks, cloud
platforms, and AI-driven insights
are not just surviving disruption
but turning it into opportunity. By
modernising today, companies can
anticipate challenges, act in real
time, and create supply chains that
are smarter, faster, and ready for
whatever comes next.”
The research underscores how
volatility has become the defining
feature of today’s supply chains.

Yet many organisations remain
unprepared: according to Gartner
data, only 29% of companies are
ready to manage the next wave of
supply chain challenges.

At the same time, financial pressure
is intensifying. Among companies
surveyed with a revenue of $1bn
or more, 50% expect tariffs or
trade restrictions to cost them
over $1m in the coming year, with
nearly one in five anticipating an
impact exceeding $10m.

“Our research shows
that organisations
adopting connected
networks, cloud
platforms, and AI-
driven insights are
not just surviving
disruption but turning
it into opportunity”
- JJim Bureau
President & CEO
Loftware standards with trading partners
would help them respond faster
to disruptions; an indication that
the industry is moving quickly
toward more collaborative and
connected networks. Organisations
that have already adopted such
models report measurable gains,
including 48% citing faster problem
resolution and 37% citing reduced
operational costs.

The findings also reveal that
geopolitical uncertainty is forcing
businesses to rethink compliance
strategies. Many organisations
still struggle to adapt product
data and labelling processes to
new tariffs or regulatory changes,
with 63% of $1B+ companies
calling these adjustments “very”
or “somewhat difficult.” As supply
chains move through reshoring,
nearshoring, and multi-sourcing,
cloud-based labelling is essential
for accuracy and compliance across
shifting supplier networks, helping
companies avoid costly delays,
border holds, and penalties.

According to the report,
companies are responding
by accelerating investment in
solutions that unify supplier
ecosystems, ensure consistent and
compliant product data, and reduce
the operational friction caused by
siloed processes.

Consumer expectations are
driving transformation as well.

Smart packaging, powered by
real-time label data, dynamic QR
codes, and connected product
information, is emerging as
a critical tool for improving
engagement, sustainability, and
operational efficiency.

Nearly 70% of respondents
believe that sharing label data and
According to the research, 91% of
respondents believe real-time label
14 CHP PACKER INTERNATIONAL update