The supply chain is under structural pressure
Supply chain professionals are moving towards 2026 in a playing field that is more complex than ever. Where optimisation used to revolve around costs and efficiency, flexibility, resilience and transparency now play an equally important role. Disruptions are no longer an exception, but part of everyday reality.
The challenge lies not only in responding to changes, but in structurally preparing for uncertainty.
Unpredictability as the new norm
Global geopolitical tensions, changing trade routes and erratic sailing schedules make supply chains less predictable. Deliveries do not go as planned and lead times are regularly shifted.
For supply chain professionals, this means that traditional planning models are no longer sufficient. Scenario thinking and flexibility are becoming essential skills to ensure continuity.
Cost control under pressure
Rising transport costs, new levies and fluctuating energy prices are putting pressure on margins. At the same time, customers expect short delivery times and high service levels. This combination makes cost control more complex than ever.
Efficiency is less and less about pushing harder on costs and more about organising the chain smartly.
Read more about how we organise transport efficiently here:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/services/transport/
Shortage of logistics personnel
The shortage of qualified logistics personnel will continue to be a major challenge heading into 2026. Knowledge often resides with a limited number of people, which makes organisations vulnerable.
Supply chain professionals face the task of making processes less dependent on individuals and structurally recording knowledge. This requires clear working methods, training and collaboration with reliable partners.
Complexity in warehousing and stock management
Ranges are becoming wider, order profiles more diverse and volumes more variable. Warehouses need to be able to handle more than just storage. They are increasingly acting as a buffer, fulfilment hub and link in international distribution.
Flexibility and scalability are crucial here.
View our warehousing solutions:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/services/warehousing/
Pressure on delivery times and customer expectations
Customers expect transparency, speed and reliability. Real-time insight into status and planning is increasingly becoming a hygiene factor.
Supply chain professionals must ensure that information is correct and shared in a timely manner, even when processes deviate from the planning. This requires an overview and good coordination within the chain.
Sustainability and regulations
Sustainability is no longer an ambition, but a precondition. Stricter laws and regulations, reporting obligations and social pressure are forcing companies to review their supply chain.
This affects transport choices, storage structures and supplier selection. Supply chain professionals must integrate sustainability without losing operational effectiveness.
The necessity of chain cooperation
In 2026, it will become clear that no organisation can fully manage its supply chain alone. Cooperation with logistics partners, suppliers and customers is essential to remain agile.
Chain cooperation creates insight, shared responsibility and more grip on disruptions.
Read more about integrated logistics solutions here:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/services/fulfilment-e-commerce/
Conclusion: managing in a dynamic chain
The challenges for supply chain professionals in 2026 are diverse. Unpredictability, costs, staff shortages and sustainability require a different way of working. Successful supply chains are no longer characterised by perfection, but by adaptability and management.
At Van der Helm, we help supply chain professionals maintain control in a changing world. With insight, flexibility and commitment, we ensure that logistics remain supportive of growth and continuity.
👉 Would you like to discuss how your supply chain is prepared for 2026?
Get in touch with our team via:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/contact/