Market Research
2025 State of Smart Distribution Study: Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Reality
Q4, 2025
Distribution centers face mounting pressure as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and cost escalation collide with technology complexity. While automation advances through autonomous mobile robots and automated storage systems, connectivity gaps create dead zones that disrupt workflows and stall deployments. Most organizations recognize AI as essential to compete, yet lack clear execution strategies. Integration challenges across warehouse systems and cybersecurity risks from ransomware and unsecured IoT endpoints further constrain operational efficiency and threaten business continuity.
This study examines how distribution leaders can bridge the gap between vision and reality through strategic infrastructure investments. It explores current adoption patterns across automation, AI, and IoT technologies while identifying the connectivity, integration, and security gaps preventing scale. The analysis reveals how organizations prioritizing seamless facility coverage, private wireless networks, and expert-led implementation can unlock the full value of their technology investments and build resilient operations.
FOUR KEY B2C COMMERCE IMPERATIVES
Incisiv
Here’s a preview of the report. The full report is available for free download via the form below.
As consumers continue to reshape their expectations,
enterprises must contend with a uniquely challenging landscape.
The consumer technology landscape is forever changing.
From Pinterest to TikTok, WeChat to Instagram, new experiences can rapidly gain consumer adoption and relevance.
From augmented reality to voice, smartwatches to chatbots, consumers are constantly embracing new interaction paradigms.
Commoditized convenience is eroding loyalty and margin.
Consumers expect convenience. If you can't deliver it, they'll go elsewhere - e.g. next day shipping becoming the new standard.
Walmart will reportedly lose USD 1 billion on eCommerce revenue of USD 21 billion this year as it faces challenges in its bid to complete against Amazon – from trouble integrating its DNVB acquisitions to impact on margin from its next-day delivery operations.
Consumers value experiences that are curated to fit their lives better.
They want to engage, be served, and transact at their time, their pace, their place. They have little patience, infinite choice and the freedom to swipe left at the slightest hint of friction.
