2 min read
Supply Technologies explores closing the supply chain resilience gap on Automation World podcast
By: Supply Technologies
Vincent Vasilevski discusses smart inventory strategies, industrial automation and findings from the State of Supply Chain Resilience 2026 research
Supply Technologies has taken the conversation around supply chain resilience to the airwaves, with Vincent Vasilevski joining Automation World for a new podcast examining how manufacturers can better prepare for ongoing supply chain disruption.
Recorded during IMTS 2026 in Chicago, Leaping Over The Supply Chain Resilience Gap sees Vincent join Automation World’s Chris McNamara to discuss the role of smart inventory strategies and automation in helping manufacturers protect production and respond when supply chain conditions change.
The conversation also draws on findings from Supply Technologies’ newly launched State of Supply Chain Resilience 2026 report, which examines the risks manufacturers expect to face and the strategies they are putting in place to strengthen continuity of supply.
Protection and adaptability
Inventory is an important part of the discussion. Carrying additional stock can provide protection when a shipment is delayed or supply is temporarily interrupted, and Supply Technologies’ research found that 64% of manufacturers are increasing inventory as part of their approach to strengthening supply chain resilience.
However, the podcast explores why inventory and contingency planning do not always provide manufacturers with the flexibility required during prolonged disruption. Vincent discusses emerging smart inventory strategies and how developments in industrial automation are changing the way manufacturers access and manage the assembly components needed to keep production moving.
This reflects a central theme of the Supply Technologies research: strong supply chains need both protection and the ability to adapt.
Manufacturers remain concerned about disruption
The State of Supply Chain Resilience 2026 report is based on research with 50 senior manufacturing professionals in the United States and 11 other countries, working across operations, supply chain, procurement and engineering.
Despite 80% rating their organization’s current supply chain resilience at seven out of 10 or higher, 82% remain concerned about disruption over the next 12 months. Some 94% also say supply chain resilience has become a higher business priority than it was five years ago.
Tariffs and trade policy were identified as a leading risk by 62% of respondents, while transportation and logistics, geopolitical instability and material shortages also feature prominently among manufacturers’ concerns.
Manufacturers are responding in several ways. Alongside the 64% increasing inventory, 54% are diversifying suppliers, 48% are expanding nearshore or regional sourcing and 46% are investing in forecasting and demand planning.
Creating options before they are needed
The findings highlight the importance of putting options in place before disruption occurs. Additional inventory can buy time, but longer-term adaptability can also depend on visibility, sourcing flexibility and access to alternative suppliers that have already been technically evaluated and qualified.
Manufacturers are also looking for broader support from their supply chain partners. The research found that 68% value inventory management capabilities, 66% visibility into inventory and orders, 58% supplier diversification and 54% engineering support.
Together, these capabilities can help manufacturers manage risk earlier and reduce the operational and administrative complexity involved in maintaining multiple sourcing, inventory and logistics strategies.
The Automation World podcast explores these challenges from the perspective of the factory floor and considers how smarter inventory management and industrial automation can contribute to a more adaptable manufacturing supply chain.
Listen to Leaping Over The Supply Chain Resilience Gap on Automation World
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