The year ahead promises to be a strange, challenging time for supply chains around the world. From impending Trump tariffs and the climate crisis to the ongoing question of AI’s role in the global economy, C-suites are increasingly looking to their supply chains as a source of resilience, security, and value.
We spoke to Sharath Muddaiah, Director of Strategic Solutions, 5G, Private Networks & IoT, at global SecurityTech company Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), about what he expects to see shaping the supply chain sector next year.
1. Smart labels
2025 will see a marked uptake in the use of smart labels to monitor the transportation of goods. Sectors making increased use of the technology will include retail, shipping, insurance, and food and beverage.
Reduction in the cost of smart labels, combined with improvements to the technology within such labels, will drive this trend. Additionally, the continued battle for retailers in the rise of ‘non-delivery fraud’ will see demand for smart labels increase in the consumer sector for high-value goods.
The label’s versatility extends to its ability to track shipments of any size or type, emphasising its adaptability across the supply chain. Simply peel off the sticker from the back, stick it on your asset, and you’re set!
2. Securing the supply chain
2024 saw numerous incidents (in countries facing geopolitical tensions) of technological devices being tampered with. These breaches were brought about by security holes in the supply chain.
In October, the EU introducted the NIS2 regulation. The legistlation is intended to ensure security measures are adhered to throughout the IT supply chain. Essentially, IT providers will implement IoT technology that monitors and protects IT components while they are being shipped. Doing so will ensure they are compliant with this new regulation. Not only that, but it will also help them protect themselves and their customers.
3. Energy efficiency will be a key priority
Sustainability will continue to be an important priority for IT providers and customers alike.
When it comes to IoT and location tracking, providing energy-efficient technology is paramount, considering the small batteries such devices have on board. For this reason, clever management of cell triangulation alongside GPS technology will provide significant advantages.
4. 5G LPWA technologies gaining momentum
The main advantage that 5G LPWA technologies have over other types of networks, such as Wi-Fi, is its low power consumption.
This makes it ideal for use in smart applications. For example: smart labels, where battery life is an important factor for device design and operation.
5. Digital twin for supply chain
In 2025, the use of digital twin technology will become a standard practice within supply chain management.
This is thanks to the proliferation of IoT sensors and application of AI to digital twins, which will enable the dynamic tracking of simulated changes in real-world conditions, providing a powerful tool for predictive analytics and risk management on demand.
- Digital Supply Chain
- Risk & Resilience
- Sustainability
