BlueCherry report highlights seismic shifts in supply chain technology over the past decade
Computer Generated Solutions, through its BlueCherry platform, has released its 10th annual Global Supply Chain & Technology Report
This provides a decade long analysis of trends, challenges, and opportunities in the fashion supply chain landscape and reveals two top technology priorities in 2025: cultivating AI driven insights and optimising merchandise demand planning.
Over 300 executives across the global apparel, footwear, accessories, consumer lifestyle goods, retail, and manufacturing industries contributed to the new report. BlueCherry reveals how industry priorities have dramatically changed in a decade characterised by shifting technologies, consumer behaviours, and trade environments. Top 2025 priorities include:
AI and advanced analytics: data driven decision-making has been a high priority over the past 10 years and is now a must have capability in 2025. 91% of businesses view AI driven insights as critical to growth.
Merchandise demand planning: 77% of respondents cite implementing demand planning technology solutions as a top priority - the highest in four years. This is due, in part, to objectives for mitigating unforeseen supply chain disruptions.
Nearshoring and reshoring: 45% of businesses are prioritising nearshoring/reshoring, up significantly from a 14% average over the past four years.
Top growth strategies remain unchanged: Although the past 10 years have seen dramatic economic, social and consumer behavior changes, prioritising new customer acquisition, e-commerce and deploying digital process improvements have each been constant priorities.
The report also highlights top industry concerns for 2025:
Economic and political uncertainty: 76% of industry leaders cited economic and political uncertainty as a serious or moderate challenge, up from 68% in 2024. By contrast, just 6% viewed trade policies (including tariffs) as a major risk back in 2020.
Supply chain visibility: While overall confidence in supply chains remains steady, most respondents (85%) still say visibility is a key area for improvement.
“Our annual State of Supply Chain & Technology Report has helped fashion and apparel brands navigate a decade dominated by tech driven disruption,” says Paul Magel, President, Business Applications and Technology Outsourcing Division at CGS.
“Our findings underscore the importance of better demand planning and access to AI driven insights for smarter, faster decision-making. We’re proud to empower clients with the solutions and intelligence needed to optimise operations, enhance resilience, and drive sustainable growth.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.
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