Challenges & Limitations
Adopting new supply chain technologies comes with real obstacles. Understanding them is the first step to overcoming them.
Adopting new supply chain technologies comes with real obstacles. Understanding them is the first step to overcoming them.
Deploying AI, IoT, or blockchain requires significant capital investment in hardware, software, and integration — often prohibitive for SMEs.
| A mid-size manufacturer may spend $2–5 million implementing a full ERP system.
More connected systems mean more attack surfaces. A single breach can halt operations and compromise sensitive data.
| The 2017 NotPetya attack cost Maersk over $300 million in supply chain disruption.
There is a global shortage of professionals who understand both supply chain operations and emerging technologies.
| Gartner reports that 70% of supply chain leaders struggle to find digital talent.
Many organisations still run on decades-old systems that are difficult and costly to connect with modern platforms.
| Retailers often operate 10+ disconnected systems that need bridging.
Sharing data across partners raises compliance challenges with regulations like GDPR and varying international laws.
| Cross-border data sharing in the EU requires strict contractual safeguards.