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Orchestrating End-to-End Supply Chains: Insights from MHI’s 2025 Annual Industry Report



In a warehouse, a large screen shows analytics; two workers discuss near robots moving boxes. Shelves filled with boxes are visible.
It is an exciting time to see how our industry is growing and changing with technology.

Setting the Stage

The 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report, released during ProMat, underscores a pivotal shift in supply chain management: integrating people, processes, and technology into a unified ecosystem for long-term agility and competitiveness mmh.comMHISolutions Magazine.

"These are exciting times for the supply chain industry as we see the orchestration of technology, talent and data coming to the forefront," said John Paxton, CEO of MHI MHISolutions Magazine.


Market Trends & Investment Signals

  • Digital Investments Are AcceleratingOver 50% of industry leaders plan to increase technology investments in 2025 to better orchestrate equipment, workforce, and goods MHISolutions Magazine.

  • Planned Digital Transformation Budgets Are SignificantAccording to the report, 55% of organizations anticipate boosting tech spending, and 60% will spend over $1 million, with some — nearly 19% — committing more than $10 million toward orchestration initiatives datexcorp.com Yahoo Finance.


Emerging Technologies & Adoption Rates

The report sheds light on adoption intent for cutting-edge technologies:

Technology

Adoption Rate (%)

Inventory & Network Optimization

92

Cloud Computing & Storage

91

Sensors & Automatic ID

88

Predictive Analytics

87

Robotics & Automation

83

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

82

Internet of Things (IoT)

77

Wearables & Mobile Tech

72

Autonomous Vehicles & Drones

64

3D Printing

57

Blockchain

54

These figures underscore that robotics, AI, and predictive analytics are near-universal tools for supply chain innovation Yahoo Finance.


Workforce + Technology + Orchestration

A core theme of the report is the integration of human talent with technology, enabling responsive, resilient supply networks. Leaders are moving away from siloed systems and toward interconnected, scalable ecosystems.

Key outcomes include:

  • Smarter workforce planning

  • Uplift in workforce skills via digital tools

  • Forecasting and operational efficiency improvements


What This Means for Approach Automation

As a flexible automation dealer, here's how these insights translate into actionable positioning:

  • Promote Complete Automation EcosystemsHighlight your ability to integrate robotics, AI analytics, mobile systems, and cloud platforms into cohesive orchestration solutions.

  • Position Talent + Tech as a DuoDemonstrate how your deployments boost both workforce efficiency and job quality—symbiotically enhancing people and performance.

  • Target High-Impact VerticalsFocus on sectors deeply investing in orchestration—like CEP, e-commerce, CPG, and cold-chain logistics.

  • Enable Full-Spectrum VisibilityOffer solutions that support real-time monitoring, predictive insight, and seamless control across operations—aligning with orchestration goals.

  • Scale Tailored Investment ModelsWhether it's $1M pilot deployments or larger-scale transformations, match your business models to fit diverse client needs.


Final Thoughts

The 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report makes one thing clear: E2E supply chain orchestration is no longer optional—it’s essential. With automation, data, and human talent converging, organizations that execute integrated strategies stand to win in both resilience and market share.


At Approach Automation, we aim to lead this movement—equipping customers with modular, end-to-end automation solutions that elevate their operations today and into the future.


References & Further Reading:

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