Study Finds Gaps in Visibility and Execution for Supply Chain Operators

Why It Matters

The gaps in visibility and execution expose companies to higher operational risk and slower response times, threatening profitability and market share. Addressing these weaknesses is critical for firms to build resilient, cost‑effective supply chains in an increasingly volatile environment.

Key Takeaways

• Only 50% confident in disruption response
• Nearshoring driven by quality, not just cost
• AI live in supply chains at 10% adoption
• Cost pressure limits large‑scale supply chain modernization
• Visibility maturity outweighs risk awareness for preparedness

Pulse Analysis

The past twelve months have intensified pressure on global supply chains, as shifting tariffs, volatile commodity prices, transport bottlenecks and geopolitical tensions create frequent disruptions. For small and mid‑size enterprises, the ability to see inventory, demand and supplier status in real time has become a competitive differentiator. Sage’s 2026 State of Supply Chain Report, based on a survey of more than 200 retail and wholesale operators, confirms that visibility gaps are now the primary obstacle to swift decision‑making. Without unified platforms, many firms still rely on siloed spreadsheets, limiting cross‑functional coordination.

The report highlights three critical weaknesses. Only half of surveyed teams feel confident handling disruptions, and confidence correlates more with system maturity than with risk awareness. Nearshoring initiatives are driven chiefly by quality and compliance concerns rather than pure cost savings, underscoring the need for disciplined execution. AI integration remains nascent, with just 10 % of brands running live AI models in supply‑chain workflows, a figure tied directly to data readiness. Cost pressures force even high‑performing teams to prioritize short‑term savings over long‑term digital overhaul.

For operators aiming to close these gaps, investment priorities must shift toward data infrastructure, real‑time analytics and modular automation that deliver immediate cost benefits. Companies that accelerate visibility and mature their execution platforms are better positioned to mitigate risk, shorten lead times and capture market share as consumers demand resilient sourcing. As 2026 unfolds, firms that treat supply‑chain transformation as a strategic imperative—not a peripheral cost‑cutting exercise—will likely outperform peers and attract capital. Executives should pair technology upgrades with supplier‑collaboration programs to ensure compliance and quality standards are met throughout the nearshoring shift.