Challenges for the Supply Chain Manager in 2025

by | Jan 23, 2025 | E-invoicing, Order Fulfillment

In an ever-changing business landscape, the role of the supply chain manager has never been more crucial or more challenging. As supply chains become more complex and global, new obstacles continue to emerge. One of the most significant recent developments is the introduction of new e-invoicing regulations. Here, we examine the key challenges facing supply chain managers today, and the impact of e-invoicing adoption.

Managing Supply Chain Complexity

As companies expand globally, supply chains become increasingly complex. Managing multiple suppliers, manufacturers and distributors in different geographical areas also contributes to the complexity. This means speaking their language, in every sense of the word: their mother tongue as well as their technological language.
Electronic invoicing adds another layer to this difficulty: each country has its own laws governing commercial transactions. All of this requires a comprehensive approach, both from a legal and technological perspective, with strong change management.

Mitigating Risks and Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, the most significant of which are natural disasters, geopolitical tensions and pandemics.
Supply chain managers need to develop resilience strategies to mitigate these risks. E-invoicing can play a key role in providing real-time data and improved visibility, enabling faster decision-making in the event of a crisis.

Leveraging Technology for Optimized Management

The adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and blockchain is transforming supply chain management. Electronic invoicing is one of the technological innovations in this transformation, offering greater accuracy, reduced fraud and improved financial control.
However, integrating these technologies requires investment and, as mentioned above, significant change management.

How can we Guarantee Efficient Order Fulfillment?

Supply chain managers are under constant pressure to improve order fulfillment efficiency. In particular, they need to reduce lead times for all players, maintain optimal stock levels and, of course, ensure on-time delivery to customers.
Digitalizing the supply chain helps maintain this efficiency over the long term. Visibility of all orders, stocks and even deliveries enables economies of scale and better risk management.

What About e-Invoicing in the Supply Chain?

You also need to know how to navigate the regulations governing e-invoicing. With the arrival of new regulations in this area, supply chain managers need to ensure compliance in several jurisdictions. The challenge is to integrate these e-invoicing systems without disrupting supply chain operations.
Beyond legal compliance, e-invoicing integration further streamlines processes by reducing paperwork and minimizing errors. However, it also requires robust IT systems and staff training to get the most out of it.

How can SPS Commerce help you?

At SPS Commerce, we understand these challenges and offer solutions designed to streamline your supply chain operations. Our comprehensive e-invoicing solutions ensure compliance with international regulations, improve execution efficiency and provide global supply chain visibility. By working with SPS Commerce, supply chain managers can benefit from effective solutions to these challenges.

Faustine Tournay
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