The supply chain landscape continues to evolve rapidly year after year. 2025 is expected to be a transformative year for Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) users as their primary focus will continue to be on enhancing their existing ERP capabilities - maximizing supply chain efficiency and resiliency, thereby increasing customer satisfaction ratings. AI-powered capabilities (D365 Copilot), improved real-time analytics, and enhanced automation features will be the key innovation drivers this year. These innovations, coupled with tumultuous geopolitical dynamics and shifting consumer expectations make understanding and engaging with these trends all the more critical in 2025.
Supply chain shipping trends change and shift just like consumer spending habits. Let’s explore five key trends that will dominate supply chain management and highlight how D365 supply chain shipping solutions can help you avoid common shipping conundrums in 2025.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining how supply chains operate, from predictive analytics and demand forecasting to automated decision-making. In 2025, AI is slated to play a key role in helping businesses respond more efficiently to challenges. AI-powered assistants like Microsoft’s D365 Copilot enhance operational planning, while machine learning algorithms optimize inventory and logistics in real-time. When seamlessly integrating into a supply chain’s D365 workflow, AI offers shippers enhanced clarity and reactivity by translating core shipping KPIs like overall shipping costs, on-time deliveries, and last-mile delivery efficiencies.
NMB’s solutions are built to support these advancements by consolidating critical data across platforms, creating a robust foundation to SHIP SMARTER FASTER. For example, NMB Gateway for Transportation Management (TMS), is designed to clear operational blind spots by extending standard TMS functionality through native D365 screens and modules, enabling seamless and dynamic communication between D365 F&SCM and best-of-breed TMS providers, like Shipwell.
NMB Gateway for TMS centralizes transportation data, offering shippers the transparency and control needed to maximize the potential of AI-enhanced transportation planning and execution. By streamlining data transmission between TMS platforms, NMB Gateway for TMS ensures shippers have the essential components needed to integrate AI capabilities seamlessly into their supply chain operations.
2. Automation
Improving automation is no longer just about reducing repetitive tasks; it’s scaling up across all areas of supply chain management. From in-order processing to automated packing solutions and smart warehousing, shippers are leaning heavily on automation to reduce costs and increase efficiency. For example, integrating automated order entry processes, packing workflows, and shipping label generation within D365 can significantly reduce manual errors and processing times. Our Packing Workbench, embedded in NMB Gateway for Parcel via native D365 screens, is a prime example of how automation can elevate operations. Eliminating manual data entry and streamlining packing processes saves time, reduces errors, and enhances productivity, allowing businesses to handle increased order volumes efficiently.
3. Real-Time Visibility and Decision-Making
Today’s supply chains are complex, with many moving parts (literally) and even more data being inputted across departments' supply chain touchpoints. Tracking and translating that data into manageable reports will continue to drive business toward better decision-making leading to better growth opportunities in 2025.
With so much data swirling around a supply chain’s data banks, it can be hard to pinpoint data entry errors or preventable bottlenecks that could easily damage a shipper’s reputation as a competitive supplier. As discussed in Descartes’ 2024 Transportation Management Benchmark Survey, 48% of industry leaders selected "faster deliveries" as their top competitive concern in 2024. Being able to consolidate shipping data from order entry to last-mile delivery provides shippers with a clear and digestible picture of potential setbacks.
The demand for instant, real-time visibility across the supply chain continues to grow. Building supply chain visibility requires rethinking conventional approaches. In 2025, D365 users will continue to rely heavily on integrated platforms that offer live updates on inventory levels, shipment statuses, and transportation routes. Enabling businesses to track the exact location of shipments, anticipate costly delays, and proactively reroute deliveries to meet consumer expectations all equate to enhanced levels of supply chain visibility through real-time automation.
As discussed in Descartes’ Companies Need Better Truckload Visibility - Here’s How to Get It, automated updates and proactive alerts within TMS/WMS platforms will be essential for maximizing the utility of visibility data. This level of transparency is key to proactive decision-making, mitigating risks, and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Leveraging improved and emerging technologies like GPS tracking, barcode scanning, and IoT solutions into D365 shipping solutions will be instrumental in helping shippers improve their visibility throughout their supply chains. NMB Gateway for D365’s Track and Trace functionality, for example, provides real-time tracking capabilities from order entry to customer delivery, enabling shippers to monitor shipments across multiple carriers using a centralized platform.
4. Sustainability
Sustainability is now a core focus for supply chains. Businesses are adopting eco-friendly practices, from optimizing delivery routes to reducing packaging waste, in response to consumer demand and regulatory pressures. NMB Gateway for D365 solutions support sustainability goals by enabling more efficient transportation planning and reducing unnecessary shipment miles. For example, with the advanced load optimization capabilities in NMB Gateway for TMS, shippers can plan shipments effectively, reducing fuel consumption and, consequently, minimizing their carbon footprint.
NMB Gateway for D365 also adds HazMat solutions to the table, helping shippers stay compliant when transporting dangerous goods - minimizing waste, energy use, and environmental risks. To explore how to enhance sustainability in your supply chain operations, click here: https://www.nmbsolutions.ca/harmony-delivered.
5. Compliance and Risk Management
Global trade continues to grow exponentially. Yet, with great growth comes increased compliance and risk management complexity. Geopolitical tensions, updated trade regulations, and the indefinite analysis of sanctioned entities make it essential for businesses to stay ahead of compliance requirements. Businesses must stay vigilant to avoid penalties, shipment delays, and reputational damage.
NMB Gateway for Restricted Party Screening (RPS) is the only ISV solution that seamlessly integrates state-of–the-art restricted party screening platforms with Microsoft D365 Finance and Supply Chain. Powered by Descartes’ Visual Compliance, our solution helps shippers enhance compliance and increase sales velocity with straightforward implementation and expedited deployment. It screens customers, vendors, and transactions against hundreds of government-issued restricted party lists, providing maximum visibility and automation within D365 workflows.
Preparing for the Future with NMB Solutions
2025 is set to push D365 supply chain management forward at a frenetic (oftentimes overwhelming) pace, but it also presents opportunities for businesses to transform and thrive. As you kick off 2025, consider how these trends can be leveraged to your advantage. Whether it’s through AI-driven insights, real-time visibility, or automated processes, NMB Solutions is here to help.
By integrating D365 shipping solutions into your operations, shippers can benefit from enhanced:
Inventory Optimization: Maintain accurate stock levels and reduce overstock or shortages.
Workforce Efficiency: Streamline workflows and free your team from repetitive tasks.
Transportation Optimization: Reduce shipping costs and enhance delivery reliability.
Customer Experience: Provide faster, more reliable, and transparent services to customers.
Ready to elevate your supply chain operations?
Explore how NMB Gateway for D365 can empower your business to meet the challenges of 2025. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a demo. Let’s make this year your most efficient and successful yet!
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