David Phillips

The modern supply chain landscape is defined by constant disruption, demanding a proactive approach to challenges. In our guide to supply chain disruptions, we delve into the critical sources of disruption reshaping the industry: climate change, global conflict, and labor disputes. Through data-driven insights and expert analysis, we offer strategies for building resilient supply chains, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology, supplier management, and collaboration. Read on to learn how to navigate the complexities of supply chain disruptions and thrive in this era of uncertainty. Working in an Era of Supply Chain Disruption At the onset of the supply chain crisis spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the industry thought that the time of constant disruptions and delays would resolve with the pandemic. This, however, has proven far from true. Instead, our increasingly global supply chain — ever more reliant on a complex network of international transportation partners — is more vulnerable than ever to disruptions. In this section, we’ll look at three sources of disruption transforming the industry. 1. Climate Change Takes its Toll on Normal Operations Climate change is leading to new supply chain vulnerabilities. One significant example is the Panama Canal, a critical artery in global…

At the 2025 Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit in Denver, Scott Luton met with John Lash, who leads strategy and vision at e2open, a WiseTech Global Group company. E2open is a global platform powering the entire lifecycle of making, moving, and selling goods, with capabilities spanning planning, logistics, global trade, supply management, and procurement. The platform is designed not just for enterprise visibility but for true end-to-end coordination across extended supply chain ecosystems. Lash emphasized that disruptions rarely originate within a company’s four walls. “Your sub-tiers are where most of the risk lives,” he explained. “That’s where your day-to-day operations—and your long-term strategy—are truly shaped.” It’s a lesson sharply reinforced during the pandemic, which reminded leaders worldwide that no one does supply chain alone.   Old Challenges Intensified by New Realities When Luton asked about the biggest challenges facing planning teams today, Lash pointed immediately to constraints—supply constraints, manufacturing constraints, and now, the added layer of global trade volatility. Trade policies that once shifted every few years now change weekly, daily, or even hourly. Lash offered a striking example: Brazilian coffee duties jumped from 10% to 50% this summer—before returning to 0%. “How do you plan through that?” he asked.…