The findings summarized here are supported by deeper analysis throughout the report, which examines the capabilities behind the readiness gap and how they contribute to overall supply chain maturity.
Supply chains today operate in an environment defined by constant change. Organizations must navigate regulatory complexity, shifting demand patterns, and increasingly interconnected global networks while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.
To better understand the drivers of supply chain readiness, GS1 US® surveyed more than 500 supply chain professionals across industries and organization sizes. The findings show that organizations with higher supply chain maturity consistently outperform their peers and that technology investments alone are insufficient without the data, governance, and interoperability needed to scale them effectively.
The Readiness Gap
Survey data from more than 500 supply chain professionals reveals a significant gap between organizations with high levels of supply chain maturity and those still building foundational capabilities. Organizations with stronger data integration, governance, interoperability, and standards adoption consistently report stronger operational performance and greater readiness for future challenges.
Conversely, organizations that lack integrated data, governance, and interoperability often struggle to scale innovation, respond to regulatory requirements, and operate efficiently across increasingly complex supply networks. These findings suggest that supply chain readiness is not simply a technology challenge. It is the result of integrated data, strong governance, effective collaboration, and standards-based interoperability working together as a connected operating model.
Key Capabilities That Set Apart High-Maturity Organizations*
*Adoption levels and capabilities are self-reported by respondents based on the definition of GS1 Standards adoption provided within the survey question.
The Cost of Limited Supply Chain Readiness
Organizations with fragmented data and limited interoperability face higher risk across multiple areas:
- Revenue loss from supply disruptions and stock issues
- Margin pressure caused by operational inefficiences
- Slower innovation due to disconnected systems and data
- Increased regulatory and reputational exposure
Three Takeaways
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Technology Alone Does Not Create Readiness
Many organizations have adopted automation and AI, yet only 38% report centralized systems that collect and integrate data in real time.
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Most Organizations Remain Stuck in the Middle
Nearly three-quarters of respondents fall into a medium-maturity tier, indicating meaningful progress but significant room for improvement.
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Standards Are a Common Characteristic Among High-Maturity Supply Chain Leaders
Organizations with stronger supply chain capabilities consistently report deeper adoption of standards-based practices that support interoperability, collaboration, and scalability.
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