Resilience, Transparency, and Technology: Rethinking Modern Supply Chains
We’re delighted to share that Wolfgang Lehmacher, our lead Partner, Logistics & Supply Chains, has been featured in Handelsblatt’s special publication on Supply Chain & Technology, showcasing critical reflections on how companies can build more agile, resilient, and future-ready supply chains.
The feature, which appears on Page 8 of the publication, explores the evolving nature of supply chain management (SCM) — from its ancient roots to its increasingly digital and decentralized future.
“4,000 years ago, the Sumerians used inventory lists on clay tablets. Today, digital data flows shape global SCM. But the human element remains just as crucial.”
The article underscores that resilience and agility are not just buzzwords — they are strategic imperatives in an age defined by disruption. From the global chip shortage of 2021 to rising geopolitical instability, companies must rethink how they build and operate their value chains.
Key insights include:
Diversified supplier bases and regional sourcing models help mitigate systemic risks.
Digital product passports and blockchain drive transparency and traceability.
AI and robotics can enhance responsiveness, but people and partnerships remain key.
Sustainability, especially in the eyes of younger generations, is a competitive necessity, not a compliance box.
The article also introduces the concept of "coopetition" — collaborative competition — as a path forward in enabling shared innovation and systemic efficiency.
This recognition in one of Europe’s most respected business dailies is a timely reminder for all of us: supply chains are no longer just operational backbones; they are strategic levers for innovation, risk management, and long-term growth.