It’s time for me to reflect on some of our top supply chain insights from 2025! Over the past year, our experts have shared their lessons learned, best practices, project wins, and industry perspectives, and I’m excited to recap some of that content below. You can also take a look at all of our supply chain content from the past year here. 

Top Supply Chain Insights from 2025

1. Getting Started with Supply Chain AI 

AI has become a normal part of daily life, from chatbots to personal assistants to self-driving cars. Its applications are just beginning to expand, particularly in supply chains, where AI is improving logistics, inventory management, demand planning, and strategic sourcing. This piece by Chandler Kneer explores how businesses can leverage AI based on their maturity and specific needs to drive smarter operations and strategy for the supply chain. 

Explore AI in the supply chain >>  

2. Drug Shortage Series: An Overview of Drug Shortages in the U.S. 

Drug shortages in the U.S. continue to impact patients and physicians alike, affecting everything from common pain relievers to life-saving treatments like chemotherapy and antibiotics. Patients often seek alternatives, such as compounding pharmacies or international sources, while physicians face repeated challenges in prescribing medications that are both available and covered by insurance. These ongoing shortages, combined with cost concerns, have intensified calls for government intervention. Read this first piece in the Drug Shortage Series (and the second and third!) by Elizabeth McGuire to learn more. 

Learn about drug shortages in the U.S. >> 

3. Expanding Supply Chains in India: Opportunities and Challenges 

Amid rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions in China, India has emerged as a key global manufacturing and sourcing hub. Many U.S. companies are shifting operations to India, with major players like Walmart, Apple, and Suzuki already expanding their presence. This article by Marcus McCray examines the opportunities and challenges of growing supply chains in India over the coming years. 

Dive into challenges and opportunities for supply chains in India >> 

4. Conducting a DSD Assessment for a Food Company 

Clarkston worked with a leading U.S. food manufacturer to transform their Direct Store Delivery (DSD) operations, which were challenged by high service costs and inconsistent execution. Our team conducted field ride-alongs, store audits, and stakeholder interviews to identify opportunities and pain points across core DSD functions. In this case study, Elizabeth McGuire, Idoia Hidalgo, and Sebastian Valencia discuss our team’s work conducting the DSD assessment and helping the client establish a foundation for a future-focused transformation strategy. 

Read the DSD assessment case study >>  

5. Ensuring DSCSA Serialization Compliance with AI: Opportunities and Challenges 

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), passed in 2013, aims to ensure pharmaceutical drugs are safe, traceable, and legitimate throughout the supply chain. Compliance is complex, involving serialization, traceability, data interoperability, and Authorized Trading Partner requirements, with deadlines (many extended through 2025) adding pressure on companies. This piece by Lance Parker explores how AI and advanced data systems are increasingly being leveraged to help organizations manage these DSCSA requirements and maintain compliance efficiently. 

How can AI help ensure DSCSA serialization compliance? >> 

6. Navigating Growth in Cold Chain Logistics: Key Considerations for M&A and Expansion 

Growing demand and higher consumer expectations are making cold chain management an increasingly critical part of modern supply chains. Cold chain logistics ensures that temperature-sensitive products, particularly in the food industry, are safely transported and stored from production to consumption. In this article, Ling Lin discusses the companies that are investing in specialized technologies and monitoring systems to expand and meet that demand for product quality and safety. 

Learn more about growth in cold chain logistics >>  

7. Navigating Retail Warehouse Migrations: Challenges and Strategies 

Warehouse migrations are complex, high-risk projects that often arise from business growth, cost optimization, multi-channel fulfillment, or the need for greater supply chain visibility. These transitions can also change how retailers manage their warehouses, such as moving from ownership to outsourcing with a third-party logistics provider, and success depends on careful planning and strategic execution. In this piece, Brandon Regnerus explores the key challenges and strategies to navigate warehouse migrations effectively. 

Explore key challenges in retail warehouse migrations >>  

8. Standardizing GS1 Labels and Streamlining Vendor Selection for a CPG Manufacturer 

A frozen food manufacturer partnered with Clarkston for work with helping them meet Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA and customer-specific labeling requirements. Our team assessed customer requirements, identified a compliant barcode solution, and developed an implementation plan with estimated costs and timelines for the new label printing system. Read more about the project in this case study from Wesley Ange and Sebastian Valencia.  

Read the GS1 labeling case study >>