Changing customer requirements, government regulations, and tech advancements are top predicted forces driving change for 2026.

Strengthening supply chain resilience is the top business strategy the supply management profession is expected to adopt between now and 2026.

81% of companies we surveyed don’t consider Transportation and Logistics Issues to be a high risk over the next three years.

Engaging supply management with internal business partners can create value and alignment with business goals.

Aligning and integrating with the business can help supply management leaders drive value for their companies, especially at a strategic level.

71% of companies consider cyber security & data to be the highest risk for suppliers over the next 3 years.

On average, CEOs spend just 6% of their time with suppliers, while 18% said their organization is considered a “customer of choice” by their suppliers. Increasing the time CEOs spend with suppliers could potentially improve supplier collaboration and innovation and improve savings over the long-run.

When CPOs ranked their priorities over the next 12 to 36 months, 40% of respondents said ensuring continuity of supply will be their top priority over the next 12 months. Half of CPOs (49%) said advancing data analytics to a more mature level will be the top priority in the next 3 years.

Happy Holidays from CAPS Research!

Tactical buying remains the biggest focus for supply management headcount, claiming 31% of resources. Strategic sourcing has the potential to produce greater value, but these resources are a smaller portion of the team mix.