The Gartner Supply Chain Podcast

Supply Chain Technology Predictions for 2024

Episode Summary

Technology’s importance is only increasing as supply chain leaders develop multiyear strategies for their organizations. This episode of the Supply Chain Podcast provides insight into how Gartner expects supply chain’s technological landscape will change, and how supply chain leaders can adapt.

Episode Notes

Host Thomas O’Connor and Gartner VP Analyst Dwight Klappich dive into Dwight’s Predicts 2024: Supply Chain Technology, a set of five predictions for growth and change in supply chain technology between 2026 and 2028. 

Thomas and Dwight explore the value these predictions hold, the research that drives them and the broad challenges they address, particularly in regards to workforce and talent management. They take close looks at two key predictions surrounding smart robots and employee engagement tools, respectively, then close the show with a review of past predictions in supply chain technology.

Dwight Klappich has been with Gartner for 21 years and has over 40 years of experience in supply chain management applications and technologies, having served in various commercial and leadership roles at technology vendors in this market. Dwight focuses on warehousing and fulfillment technologies plus logistics automation processes, best practices, applications and emerging technologies, such as robotics.

This episode explores:

  • The value of Predicts 2024: Supply Chain Technology. (1:13)
  • How Predicts 2024: Supply Chain Technology addresses broad challenges like geopolitical uncertainty, talent strain and improved customer outcomes. (2:39)
  • A deep dive into the prediction that smart robots will outnumber frontline workers in manufacturing, retail and logistics by 2028. (9:04)
  • Why 40% of large warehouse operations will deploy employee engagement tools by 2028. (13:09)
  • A review of both accurate and inaccurate past predictions. (19:23)