Supply chain disruptions remain a grim reality for SMEs in 2025. From the lingering effects of the Russia-Ukraine war to China’s sporadic COVID-19 lockdowns, worldwide bottlenecks continue to strangle operations and profits.
SMEs get hurt the most when supplies are low. Surveys show they’re still struggling with shortages, delays, and price instability. But all hope is not lost.
“Supply chain disruptions will continue to impact organizations deep into 2023,” warned Neil Boulton, Client Partner at Publicis Sapient, back in 2022. That prediction still holds in 2025. For SMEs, the stakes are higher—a delayed shipment or an empty shelf can erode trust and revenue in an instant.
Still, experts see a silver lining. “Procurement and supply chain agility are high on everyone’s agenda in the current tumultuous business and geopolitical landscape,” explains Adem Adil, SAP ANZ Head of Digital Supply Chain. The key? Agility. SMEs can’t outmuscle industry behemoths, but they can outmaneuver them.
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Visibility: seeing disruptions before they occur
The best way to handle disruptions is to foresee them. “Transparent, real-time visibility throughout the network enables quick decisions,” says Dr. Deborah Pike, Principal Supply Chain Solutions Consultant at Anaplan. Cloud platforms can keep teams aligned, reducing silos and response times.
“Organizations are facing some of the worst supply chain disruptions in 50 years,” says Sascha Ambrose, Tableau ANZ Country Manager and Salesforce AVP. “Real-time tracking of data is critical for operations and inventory management.” Others concur, mentioning tools like digital twins, which can simulate many scenarios—like what if one of your major suppliers shuts down.
For SMEs, this translates to being capable of predicting weather delays, demand fluctuations, or supplier issues before they cause mayhem.
Tech: the survival tool
Technology is not an indulgence—a lifeline. “Using tech to manage complex supply chains isn’t new—it’s proven,” says John Fargher, Co-Founder of AgriWebb. For SMEs, this could translate to tracking assets using telematics or using automation to manage thin staffing.
“Real-time data analytics simplify processes and remove bottlenecks,” adds Gerald Faust, CEO of SNP Group. Predictive analytics, demand planning software, and ERP systems all give SMEs the responsiveness they need. “Automation is the answer,” adds Matthew Thomson, Senior VP at Kofax. The bottom line? Technology levels the playing field.
Inventory: balancing supply and cash flow
The just-in-time approach will no longer be feasible. “Companies have abandoned ‘just-in-time’ inventory,” Australian Centre for Business Growth Director Ryan Williams says. Ordering in bulk offers better prices and supply assurance—but stockpiling is not the answer either.
“Balance the need for a stock buffer with smart depletion strategies,” advises Henry Brunekreef, Regional VP at Coupa. Managing cash flow is just as important—SMEs must prioritize the necessities and buy early when they need to.
Demand planning software can help here, pulling data from POS systems, inventory, and market trends to make accurate forecasts. The goal? Stock what you need, when you need it—without tying up too much capital.
Relationships: suppliers as partners
Strong supplier relations are a competitive advantage. “Organizations that pay on time and achieve the trust of suppliers perform better,” Williams states. Global partnerships can also smooth out supply chain hiccups, according to e2open’s Regional Director ANZ, Paul Soong.
Diversification is another safeguard. “Spread your risk—source from multiple regions and have backup suppliers,” advises Lee Scott, GM Strategic Procurement at Leading Edge Retail. A strong supplier network means greater choice and less disruption.
Communication: keeping customers in the loop
Where there are delays, transparency is the best policy. “Retailers need to over-communicate with consumers,” says Kristyn Wallace, VP APJ at Emarsys. “Constant updates build trust.” Jonathan Ryan, Head of ANZ Region at Infobip, suggests an omnichannel strategy—SMS, WhatsApp, and email—to keep consumers informed.
This works in SMEs’ favor. “28% of Australians are loyal to retailers who make them feel valued,” Wallace states. The lesson? Keep customers in the loop, and they’ll stick around.
Risk: getting ready for the inevitable
Disruptions aren’t a possibility—they’re a certainty. “The businesses that plan for disruptions and respond quickly will be the winners,” says Adil. Every connection in the supply chain needs to be stress-tested for durability.
That includes cybersecurity. “Invest in supply chain security,” says Mick McCluney, Technical Director ANZ at Trend Micro. Ransomware and cyber threats are intensifying risks. Digital twins can also help by stress-testing supply chain models, so companies have fallback positions.
“Supply chains are under more pressure than ever,” Faust says, but SMEs can still punch above their weight. “Resilient, responsive supply chains are the future,” Adil concludes.
From real-time visibility to close supplier relationships, these expert-backed strategies can help SMEs navigate uncertainty in 2025. “Meaningful growth happens when companies stay nimble in constrained supply conditions,” Williams adds. The message is clear: act now, or risk being left behind.
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Stop losing customers to stockouts. 2025’s supply chain chaos demands aggressive SME strategies – learn how to fight back now News, Supply Chain Dynamic Business
