A FAST-GROWING MARKET

Germany has become one of Europe’s most active markets for trade between private individuals, according to DHL’s latest E-Commerce Trends Report. Spanning clothing, electronics, and household goods, approximately 67 percent of online shoppers in the country have already participated in the selling of items via an online marketplace.

One of the most rapidly expanding online marketplaces within the continent is Vinted – a leading platform for second-hand items headquartered in Lithuania. Together, as part of a strategic partnership, DHL and Vinted are working to drive the continued growth of the second-hand market in Germany.

Through the combination of DHL’s nationwide presence and Vinted’s broad reach, the two companies are expanding and simplifying the shipping and collection of parcels, with a specific focus on locker-to-locker shipping options.

“Reselling used goods online has evolved from a niche activity to an everyday phenomenon within just a few years. As a result, expectations regarding shipping are rising. People buying and selling privately want shipping to involve as little effort as possible. It should be just as easy as purchasing from an online store. Many people want to send or collect parcels independently of opening hours. This is exactly why automated solutions such as Packstations are becoming increasingly important. That is also why we will continue to invest heavily in expanding our automated network in the years ahead. Vinted is one of the companies driving Europe’s booming second-hand market. We are delighted to continue Vinted’s success story in Germany together,” states Benjamin Rasch, Head of Sales and Products, Post & Parcel Germany, DHL Group.

INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS

Through DHL’s Packstations, Vinted’s buyers and sellers are able to drop off and collect parcels as and when it best suits them. Additionally, no prior registration is required to ship or collect via Packstations. A collection code is sent by DHL and will, in the near future, be directly available through Vinted.

Already operating around 41,000 parcel drop-off and collection points nationwide, DHL’s expanded network of Packstations, Poststations, and DeinFach lockers is anticipated to grow from 18,500 to over 30,000 by 2030 to accommodate the fast-growing market.

Also highlighted in the E-Commerce Trends Report is how widely shipping services are already in use in the peer-to-peer market. According to research, approximately 70 percent of respondents use parcel shops or automated lockers to ship online items, whilst the remaining 30 percent hand goods over in person.

Dovilė Riškutė, Senior Director of Business Development and Operations, Vinted Go, notes that, “Tons of people in Germany use Vinted to give products a second life. This requires shipping solutions that fit seamlessly into everyday life. Thanks to DHL’s nationwide network and, in particular, its 24/7 accessible Packstations, our members can send and receive parcels with maximum flexibility. This provides a strong base for further expanding our offering in Germany, and deliver against our ambitious growth aspiration.”

For Vinted, keeping products in use for longer is a core element of its business model, whilst DHL is actively investing in the sustainability of its logistics network. Therefore, this strategic partnership combines reselling used goods with low-emission parcel delivery.

The post DHL and Vinted Grow Second-Hand Market in Germany appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

DISRUPTION RESHAPES STRATEGY

Supply chain disruption is continuing to redefine how organisations approach long-term operational strategy, according to new research from Accenture.

Drawing on insights from 3,000 C-suite leaders across 20 countries and 19 industries – including 322 senior supply chain and engineering (SC&E) executives – the latest Pulse of Change survey reveals that persistent uncertainty is making operations increasingly difficult and influencing where businesses are directing investment.

More than three-quarters (78 percent) of SC&E leaders say geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, regulatory complexity, and compliance pressures have made operations materially harder over the past six months.

While concern levels are broadly aligned across the wider C-suite, operational leaders remain more focused on maintaining supply chain continuity and controlling rising operating costs than accelerating technology adoption.

For many organisations, the findings suggest resilience has become a competitive necessity rather than a reactive measure.

BUILDING RESILIENCE OVER RESHORING

Six in 10 SC&E executives identify supply chain disruption as the issue most likely to force a significant strategic shift in 2026, ahead of emerging technologies, trade and compliance changes, and labour shortages.

That outlook is directly shaping investment priorities.

Rather than pursuing large-scale production moves, 59 percent of SC&E leaders are prioritising forecasting, scenario planning, and risk management. Almost half are also diversifying supplier networks, while others are reassessing capital expenditure, expanding mergers and acquisitions or partnership activity, and strengthening geopolitical risk management capabilities.

Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, reshoring remains a comparatively low priority.

Fewer than one-third (29 percent) of operational leaders intend to reshore or nearshore operations, making domestic production the lowest-ranked strategic priority once again, although its importance has increased since January.

Instead, businesses are adapting existing commercial relationships to reflect changing geopolitical realities. Two-thirds (67 percent) of SC&E executives report they have already altered the terms, scope, or governance of partnerships based on a partner’s country of origin or geopolitical alignment.

AI AND PEOPLE GO HAND IN HAND

Artificial intelligence continues to attract significant investment, although SC&E leaders are approaching implementation differently from the broader executive leadership.

More than two-thirds (68 percent) expect to increase AI investment over the next year, compared to 82 percent across the wider C-suite. Rather than focusing primarily on immediate financial returns, operational leaders are placing greater emphasis on workforce readiness.

Seven in 10 organisations are investing in employee upskilling and reskilling programmes, preparing staff to work alongside AI through new team structures and greater cross-functional collaboration. Many also expect human and AI integration to expand rapidly, either across multiple business functions or throughout entire organisations within the next 12 months.

Regional priorities also vary considerably. Talent shortages are viewed as the most significant disruption in the Americas, where more than half (56 percent) of SC&E leaders expect labour challenges to drive strategic change. Meanwhile, APAC organisations are placing greater emphasis on supplier diversification, while EMEA leaders are more focused on strengthening geopolitical risk management.

Commenting on the findings, Tracey Countryman, Global Supply Chain and Engineering Lead at Accenture, said:

“They’re investing in AI through a practical, workforce-led lens, helping their people make faster, AI-enabled decisions and adapt more effectively as conditions continue to change,” she added.

The research suggests that, as disruption becomes an enduring feature of the global operating environment, organisations are increasingly favouring agility, diversified supplier ecosystems, and workforce-enabled AI adoption over fundamental changes to manufacturing location.

The post “Building resilience through better forecasting, diversified supplier networks, and stronger risk management”: Accenture Maps a Resilient Supply Chain appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

AI PLANNING ARRIVES CLOSER TO HOME

Anaplan has expanded its longstanding collaboration with Google Cloud, bringing its AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform onto Google Cloud’s infrastructure in France.

The move enables French organisations to access Anaplan’s decision-making capabilities through a scalable and secure cloud environment designed to support increasingly complex business operations. It also responds to growing demand for local data residency and sovereignty, allowing businesses to leverage their own data securely while complying with national data residency requirements.

The announcement builds on a relationship between the two companies that began almost six years ago and complements existing collaborations across the US, Canada, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Japan.

Designed as the decision infrastructure for the Agentic Enterprise, Anaplan’s platform combines deterministic calculations, probabilistic AI, connected data, workflows, and role-based AI agents to help organisations make informed, high-stakes decisions with greater confidence.

SUPPORTING FRENCH ENTERPRISES

The expansion is particularly relevant for organisations operating in sectors where speed, compliance, and data control are increasingly critical, including luxury, retail, and consumer products.

By hosting the platform closer to customers’ operations, Anaplan aims to provide businesses with the secure and compliant infrastructure needed to respond more quickly to changing market conditions.

“In a dynamic market, being able to act with speed and confidence is a significant advantage for business leaders who have to make critical decisions in real time every day, especially in fast-moving sectors like luxury and retail,” said Laurent Martini, Managing Director, EMEA, Anaplan.

“With Anaplan on Google Cloud, our customers in France can now harness the full power of our platform at closer proximity to their operations, ensuring they have the secure, compliant decision infrastructure required to drive their business forward.”

Beyond infrastructure, the collaboration enables organisations to combine internal business data with third-party sources while taking advantage of BigQuery, Google Cloud’s autonomous data-to-AI platform that automates the data lifecycle.

For Google Cloud, the agreement further strengthens its presence among major French organisations seeking scalable AI capabilities alongside greater control over where their data resides.

“This collaboration with Anaplan illustrates our commitment to supporting French companies in their digital transformation efforts by combining the power of our scalable and secure AI cloud infrastructure with Anaplan’s leading AI-driven planning capabilities,” said Brian Goldstein, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic AI and ISV GTM, Google.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Anaplan and help decision-makers in France unlock new opportunities for growth.”

BUILDING THE AGENTIC ENTERPRISE

The announcement also follows Anaplan’s recent introduction of the Agentic Enterprise – an operational model built on a shared computational and data foundation that uses AI agents to streamline core business functions while allowing employees to focus on strategic decision-making.

As part of this vision, the company is developing an agentic portfolio spanning finance, supply chain, sales, and human resources. The first skills-based AI agents for the office of the CFO are planned for release later this year.

With more than 2,600 organisations worldwide using its platform, including AXA, Generali, JLR, and L’Oréal, Anaplan continues to expand the reach of its AI-driven planning capabilities. The latest collaboration with Google Cloud reinforces its focus on delivering secure, compliant, and intelligent decision infrastructure for businesses navigating an increasingly data-driven future.

The post “Being able to act with speed and confidence is a significant advantage”: Anaplan and Google Cloud Strengthen AI Planning appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

A FULLY AUTOMATED GOODS RECEIVING PROCESS

XYZ Robotics, recognised as a pioneer, innovator, and global leader in mobile manipulation robots (MMRs), proudly announces the introduction of its cutting-edge automation solution for efficiently handling goods receiving at the BAUHAUS central warehouse in Krefeld, Germany.

This advanced system leverages the capabilities of the RockyOne and RockyOne SE robots, seamlessly automating the entire workflow from the moment shipping containers arrive to the final arrangement of shelf-ready pallets.

By streamlining this critical process, the solution not only enhances operational consistency and efficiency but also empowers the warehouse team to focus on more engaging and value-added tasks, ultimately transforming the dynamics of warehouse operations.

SOLVING REAL-WORLD LOGISTICS COMPLEXITY

Since 1960, BAUHAUS has been a prominent leader in the home improvement retail sector across Europe, boasting an extensive network of over 290 specialised centres across 19 countries.

At its Krefeld centre, the operation is bustling with activity, processing thousands of inbound shipments each day and managing an impressive inventory of more than 10,000 distinct SKUs. The variety in received cartons is wide, differing notably in shape, weight, and stacking configurations, which poses significant challenges that traditional automation systems cannot adequately handle.

To tackle these complexities, XYZ Robotics has ingeniously designed an advanced, end-to-end automation system. This innovative solution, known as RockyOne, can autonomously navigate shipping containers to unload loose cartons of diverse sizes and orientations efficiently.

As each carton passes through the system, an integrated barcode scanning mechanism identifies it, enabling real-time sorting based on the operation’s specific requirements.

Subsequently, the RockyOne SE variant meticulously constructs pallets in accordance with customer-defined patterns, ensuring that the pallets are not only stable but also ready for immediate storage, optimising the logistics process within the Krefeld centre.

OPTIMISED WORKFLOWS BOOST EFFICIENCY IN WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS

The traditional method of manual container unloading often entails repetitive lifting in tight, confined spaces, often exacerbated by harsh temperature extremes.

This gruelling process not only leads to a high turnover of personnel but also significantly increases the risk of injury amongst workers.

In contrast, the innovative Rocky robots transform this labour-intensive task by allowing operators to transition from strenuous physical labour to a more manageable role. Using a tablet interface, they can easily oversee the entire unloading process with minimal training.

The daily operation of the robots is designed to be straightforward, empowering workers to focus on monitoring and optimising system efficiency rather than enduring the physical demands of manual unloading.

Following the successful Krefeld deployment, XYZ Robotics is set to broaden its presence across Europe.

This expansion aims to better assist warehouse and distribution operators by establishing local teams dedicated to delivering comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle of their services.

These teams will ensure tailored solutions and prompt assistance, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

The post BAUHAUS Partners with XYZ Robotics in a New Era of Logistics Efficiency appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

According to new research from Ivalua, 70 percet of organisations have experienced between one and five critical supplier failures during the past 12 months, whilst 41 percent say they are just one supplier failure away from a supply chain crisis.

The enterprise AI platform for procurement surveyed 800 supply chain and procurement decision-makers and found that organisations take an average of 25 days to identify and onboard a replacement supplier.

During that period, nearly three-quarters (74 percent) are exposed to shortages or significant operational disruption, highlighting the growing importance of proactive supplier risk management.

REACTING INSTEAD OF PREVENTING

Ivalua’s findings suggest that many businesses are still responding to supplier failures only after they occur rather than anticipating potential risks.

More than half (57 percent) of organisations admit they take a reactive approach to supplier disruption, leaving vulnerabilities hidden until operations are already under pressure. This lack of preparedness is compounded by limited visibility across several critical areas of supplier performance.

Over half (53 percent) of respondents report having little or no visibility into the cybersecurity posture of their suppliers, whilst 51 percent acknowledge that a major cyber incident affecting a key supplier would catch them entirely by surprise.

Visibility challenges extend beyond cybersecurity. The research found that 53 percent of organisations have limited insight into suppliers’ ESG performance and associated risks, 44 percent struggle to monitor suppliers’ financial health, 41 percent lack visibility into operational capacity and delivery performance, and 40 percent report limited oversight of compliance status, including certifications and regulatory requirements.

Jarrod McAdoo, Director at Ivalua, believes supplier failure has become an unavoidable challenge for modern organisations.

“Supplier failure is no longer an exception; it is a cost of doing business. The organisations suffering the most aren’t necessarily those with weaker suppliers, but those blind to risks until it’s too late,” he says.

“With inflation, tariffs, and rising costs already stretching operations, a single supplier failure can be the tipping point that pushes an already strained supply chain into collapse.”

CLOSING THE VISIBILITY GAP

The report also points to fragmented supplier data as a major obstacle to effective risk management.

Almost half (45 percent) of organisations say they do not have a single, trusted view of supplier risk across the business, making it difficult to identify emerging issues before they escalate. At the same time, 76 percent continue to rely on manual processes for due diligence and risk checks on critical suppliers.

This dependence on traditional methods is creating further vulnerabilities, with 58 percent agreeing that spreadsheets leave them exposed to human error.

Blind spots also extend deeper into supply networks. More than half (53 percent) report having little or no visibility into their sub-tier suppliers, whilst 73 percent say they would like to identify signs of supplier distress much earlier to prevent disruption before it reaches their operations.

BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION WITH AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a valuable tool for strengthening supplier risk management, but Ivalua’s research suggests adoption remains relatively limited.

Just 39 percent of organisations currently use AI for supplier due diligence or ongoing risk monitoring. Even where AI is being deployed, its effectiveness is often constrained by poor-quality data. Half of respondents agree that their supplier data is not AI-ready, limiting their ability to scale analytics and detect risks early.

McAdoo argues that organisations should focus less on predicting every supplier failure and more on building the foundations needed to respond quickly and confidently.

“The goal is not to predict supplier failure. That is a pipe dream, considering the complexity of modern global supply chains. The goal is to build the capability to anticipate it by spotting early signals and to be ready to act on contingency plans with confidence,” he explains.

“AI can make a real difference, but is only as effective as the data it’s working with. Organisations without a strong, unified supplier data foundation will struggle to deliver meaningful value from AI investment, regardless of how sophisticated the tools are. The organisations that fix this will be the ones still standing when future disruption hits.”

For organisations facing continued economic uncertainty, rising costs, and increasingly complex global supply chains, Ivalua’s findings reinforce that resilience depends on more than contingency planning alone.

By improving supplier visibility, consolidating trusted data, and laying the groundwork for effective AI adoption, businesses can move from reacting to disruption towards anticipating it before it impacts operations.

The post “Supplier failure is no longer an exception; it is a cost of doing business”: Ivalua Reveals Supplier Risk Blind Spots appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

Supply Chain Collaboration and Sustainability

EcoVadis has expanded its Community platform to include all procurement organisations and non-EcoVadis customers, creating what it describes as a “living network” for procurement leaders and sustainability practitioners.

Previously available only to companies that had completed an EcoVadis sustainability assessment, the platform now enables a broader community to exchange knowledge, share practical advice and collaborate on common supply chain and sustainability challenges.

The company said the expansion is intended to help organisations strengthen supply chain resilience while improving sustainability performance through peer-to-peer collaboration.

Growing Global Network

The expanded platform builds on an existing global user base that has grown by 20 per cent each month since launch.

According to EcoVadis, members have generated more than 800 peer discussions, with an 86 per cent question resolution rate across its three most active forums: the Networking Forum, Product Discussion and Sustainability Topics.

The community includes members from the United Kingdom, the United States, western Europe, India and Brazil, with strong representation from industries including chemicals, plastics and materials, manufacturing and heavy machinery, logistics and transportation, and wholesale, retail, food & beverage.

Supporting Procurement and Supplier Engagement

The platform has been designed to address common challenges faced by both procurement teams and suppliers.

Through discussion forums and a resource library, procurement professionals can access sustainability guidance, while suppliers can share experiences and receive community-tested advice when responding to sustainability questionnaires.

The platform aims to reduce the complexity associated with sustainability programmes by making practical knowledge more widely available.

Peer Networks Support Faster Risk Mitigation

The expanded Community includes tools such as Universal Search and Smart Recommendations to help members benchmark against peers and connect with organisations facing similar supply chain challenges.

EcoVadis said this approach allows businesses to identify risks more quickly, share proven solutions and improve resilience through collective problem-solving.

The company cited research showing that peer networks can help organisations adopt new behaviours between 30 and 50 per cent faster than traditional top-down approaches.

“True sustainability cannot be forced; it has to be built together,” said Pierre-François Thaler, Cofounder and Co-CEO of EcoVadis. “By opening our community to all procurement organizations and suppliers anywhere in the world, we are removing the isolation companies often feel. We are making it easier to share practical advice and turn sustainability efforts into a real business advantage.”

Open Access with Premium Collaboration

Forums and webinars on the platform are available to all registered members, while product-specific guidance remains exclusive to EcoVadis-rated customers.

The company said collaborative initiatives, including the Sustainable Procurement Co-Lab and Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Roundtables, will continue to be offered through premium access.

Building More Resilient Supply Chains

The expanded Community is designed to create a collaborative ecosystem where organisations can learn from one another, strengthen sustainability programmes and improve supply chain resilience.

By broadening access to procurement and sustainability professionals worldwide, the company aims to help businesses identify emerging risks, exchange practical solutions and support more resilient and sustainable supply chains through shared knowledge and collaboration.

The post How EcoVadis is Expanding its Community Platform to Strengthen Sustainable Supply Chains appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

Satellite Technology Supports Sustainable Supply Chains

Ferrero is using the Starling satellite monitoring platform to gain greater visibility into the forests, farms and communities that produce key ingredients used across its portfolio, including cocoa, palm oil and coffee.

The company said the technology supports its long-standing Sacco Conosciuto (“known bag”) approach, which focuses on knowing where ingredients come from and how they are produced. As supply chains have become increasingly complex, satellite monitoring provides additional insight into sourcing regions spanning some of the world’s most important ecosystems.

Monitoring Forests and Agricultural Landscapes

Developed by Airbus and the Earthworm Foundation, Starling uses satellite imagery and geospatial data to help identify environmental risks, including deforestation, across agricultural supply chains.

Ferrero said the platform enables it to monitor forests, agricultural land and surrounding communities while providing greater transparency across sourcing operations.

The technology supports monitoring of cocoa, palm oil and coffee supply chains, helping the company assess environmental risks and strengthen traceability.

Combining Satellite Data with Local Expertise

Ferrero said satellite monitoring is combined with local knowledge to support informed decision-making.

The company works with technology specialists, analysts and local partners to interpret satellite data and translate insights into practical actions. These activities can include engaging directly with suppliers, working alongside local partners and conducting field visits to better understand agricultural practices and local conditions.

By combining satellite imagery with on-the-ground expertise, Ferrero said it can build a clearer understanding of how sourcing landscapes are evolving and make more informed decisions across its supply chain.

Supporting Regulatory Compliance

According to Ferrero, Starling currently maps and monitors around 230,000 plantations across its cocoa, palm oil and coffee supply chains.

“Thanks to this technology, we are able to deploy monitoring across farms and plantations in our supply chains, at scale. Today, Starling allows us to map and monitor around 230,000 plantations across three commodities – cocoa, palm oil and coffee – in line with EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements,” said Nicola Somenzi, Head of Responsible Sourcing at Ferrero.

Improving Traceability Across Key Commodities

Ferrero said the satellite platform provides greater visibility into agricultural landscapes while supporting responsible sourcing and environmental risk management.

The company uses Starling to assess sourcing risks, improve traceability and guide engagement with suppliers and local partners responsible for producing key agricultural commodities.

By combining satellite technology with field-based collaboration, Ferrero aims to strengthen oversight of its ingredient supply chains while supporting sustainable sourcing practices across cocoa, palm oil and coffee production.

The post How Ferrero Uses Satellite Monitoring to Strengthen Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

Sustainability and AI: Coupa Advances Responsible AI and Climate Commitments

Coupa has published its sixth annual Sustainability Report, detailing progress across artificial intelligence governance, climate action and corporate responsibility while demonstrating how its autonomous spend management platform is supporting organisations in meeting sustainability, resilience and compliance objectives.

The report marks a significant milestone for the company following its achievement of ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the international standard for artificial intelligence management systems, alongside the launch of an AI Centre of Excellence.

According to Coupa, the certification reinforces its commitment to developing AI capabilities that are ethical, transparent and secure, helping customers adopt agentic AI with greater confidence.

“ISO 42001 compliance reinforces that we are developing our AI capabilities in the most ethical, transparent, and secure way, giving customers peace of mind to continue innovating with Coupa AI and deepening their agentic AI investments,” said Mitch Jones, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Coupa.

Key Achievements

• Achieved ISO/IEC 42001 certification for AI governance.
• Launched an AI Centre of Excellence.
• Reduced Scope 3 emissions intensity by 42 per cent from the FY23 baseline.
• Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54 per cent from the FY23 baseline.
• Completed its Climate Transition Plan and Climate Risk and Opportunity Analysis.
• Reported more than $320 billion in customer lifetime savings generated through Coupa AI.
• Supported 848 non-profit organisations through more than 4,000 employee volunteering hours.

Climate Strategy Delivers Measurable Progress

Alongside its AI governance initiatives, Coupa reported continued progress against its climate commitments.

The company reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 54 per cent from its FY23 baseline and achieved a 42 per cent reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity while continuing business growth.

During the year, Coupa also completed its Climate Transition Plan, setting out its roadmap towards net zero emissions by FY41, while continuing to operate its offices using 100 per cent renewable electricity.

Using Spend Data to Support Sustainable Procurement

Coupa said its AI-native platform now draws on more than $10 trillion of community-generated spend data across a network of more than 11 million buyers and suppliers.

The company says customers have realised more than $320 billion in lifetime savings through Coupa AI, while using procurement data to improve supplier diversity, manage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and make more sustainable sourcing decisions.

Examples highlighted in the report include:

• Kantar, which uses Coupa’s Source-to-Pay platform to support its 12.5 per cent supplier diversity target while reducing costs.
• Save the Children International, which reconciles more than 97 per cent of over 4,000 monthly banking transactions automatically across 120 banking partners and 500 accounts.
• Ecore International, which has unified sourcing, supplier management, purchasing and spend analysis through a single platform.

Sustainability Remains Central to Growth Strategy

Chief Executive Officer Leagh Turner said sustainability continues to underpin the company’s long-term business strategy.

“Twenty years ago, we asked our customers to trust us with their data. With their trust, we are building the future of agentic trade because we believe that insightful, data-driven spend management is one of the most powerful levers that companies have to create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world,” said Leagh Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Coupa.

The report also highlights wider corporate initiatives completed during FY26, including the granting of 15 US patents, with 25 per cent co-invented by women, more than 4,000 employee volunteering hours supporting 848 non-profit organisations, and over 29,000 hours of employee professional development.

The post Coupa Strengthens AI Governance and Climate Strategy in FY26 Sustainability Report appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

EXPANDING CAPACITY ON UAE’S EAST COAST  

DP World has agreed in principle to develop two new terminals in Fujairah under a 50-year concession with the Fujairah Ports Authority, further expanding its port network across the UAE. 

The project will deliver the Al Rugaylat container and multi-purpose terminal alongside the Dibba General Cargo terminal, creating a new deep-water trade gateway on the UAE’s east coast. The investment is intended to provide customers with greater flexibility, improved connectivity, and increased capacity across regional and global shipping routes. 

Designed to accommodate the latest generation of Ultra Large Container Vessels, Al Rugaylat will have the capacity to handle up to 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) each year, in addition to 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEUs). Meanwhile, the Dibba terminal will provide annual general cargo capacity of up to 3.6 million tonnes. 

STRENGTHENING FUJAIRAH’S MARITIME ROLE  

Located on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah continues to strengthen its position as an international maritime hub. The development of the new terminals and supporting logistics infrastructure is expected to encourage further investment, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic development. 

H.H. Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Chairman, Fujairah Ports Authority, said: “The partnership with DP World marks an important milestone in Fujairah’s continued development as one of the region’s most important maritime gateways.  

ENHANCING THE NATIONAL LOGISTICS NETWORK  

Once completed, the development will increase DP World’s container handling capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million TEUs to almost 22 million TEUs, while also expanding the company’s general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) capabilities. 

The new facilities will be connected to Jebel Ali through DP World’s inland logistics network and integrated with Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), extending the company’s end-to-end supply chain offering across the UAE. This integrated network is designed to help customers move cargo more efficiently between ports, logistics centres, and end markets. 

Construction will be delivered in phases, with development expected to take between 24 and 30 months from commencement. 

H.E. Essa Kazim, Chairman, DP World, said: “The UAE has been at the heart of DP World’s story for more than four decades, and this investment reflects our confidence in its future as one of the world’s leading trade and logistics hubs.

SUPPORTING FUTURE TRADE GROWTH  

The additional capacity is expected to support long-term growth across DP World’s UAE operations while providing customers with greater operational flexibility and resilience throughout their supply chains. 

Yuvraj Narayan, Group Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: “Fujairah strengthens what Jebel Ali already delivers — a single, global integrated platform for moving goods across global supply chains and within the UAE and beyond. With Jebel Ali operating at high utilisation, this development provides the additional capacity to support long-term growth. For cargo owners, it means greater flexibility, more choice, and stronger supply chain resilience.” 

H.E. Capt Mousa Murad, Managing Director, Fujairah Ports Authority, said: “This development will add significant new capability to Fujairah’s port infrastructure and enhance the range and quality of services we can offer to cargo owners and logistics customers.  

The post DP World Expands UAE Gateway Network with Fujairah Terminal Development appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

AI Investment Continues to Grow

The Forrester Consulting Opportunity Snapshot, commissioned by Basware, found that 76 per cent of enterprise finance and AP decision-makers plan to increase AI investment over the next 12 to 24 months.

However, the study found that 68 per cent require demonstrable return on investment (ROI) before committing additional spending on finance technology, while 55 per cent expect AI investments in AP to deliver payback within six to 24 months.

According to the research, 67 per cent of finance teams already use AI for targeted AP applications, but only 39 per cent have established AI centres of excellence capable of operating at scale.

Governance Becomes a Priority

The study found that finance leaders are placing greater emphasis on governance and control as AI adoption matures.

According to the survey, 64 per cent of respondents prioritise stability and compliance over innovation when selecting AI technologies, while only 46 per cent believe they have achieved an effective balance between governance and innovation.

The report also found that 65 per cent of finance leaders believe major or urgent improvements are needed to meet new financial regulations, while 63 per cent identified growing demand for data-backed decision-making.

Accounts Payable Emerges as an AI Test Case

Basware said accounts payable has become an important area for demonstrating the business value of AI because financial outcomes can be measured more easily.

“Finance is a strong place to start with AI because the value can be measured,” said Donna Wilczek, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Basware. “The challenge is getting from ambition to execution in a way the business can trust. Once outcomes are proven, the remit can grow.”

The company said organisations are increasingly evaluating AI based on its performance in live operational environments, where process complexity can expose weaknesses in business cases.

Trust And Auditability Drive AI Adoption

According to Basware, finance leaders are increasingly focused on ensuring AI decisions are transparent and auditable.

The company said AI agents handling tasks such as invoice exception management or approval recommendations require appropriate permissions alongside a reliable audit trail documenting every decision.

“Governed AI is no longer aspirational, it’s a board-level requirement,” said Donna Wilczek, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Basware. “Every AI decision in accounts payable needs to be logged, traceable, and auditable from the moment it’s made, not reconstructed after the fact.”

Basware said its Governed Autonomy framework enables finance teams to define how much authority AI systems have, while retaining human oversight where judgement is required. The framework establishes three levels of AI authority—Advisor, Collaborator and Operator—with greater autonomy introduced only as performance is demonstrated.

From Experimentation to Operational Execution

The findings suggest finance organisations are moving beyond AI experimentation towards operational deployment supported by governance and measurable business outcomes.

According to the study, future investment decisions are likely to depend less on AI capabilities alone and more on organisations’ ability to demonstrate control, compliance and financial value as AI becomes more widely embedded within finance and procurement operations.

The study surveyed 231 decision-makers responsible for finance and AP technology across the UK, US, France and Germany during March 2026.

The post Basware Study Finds Finance Teams Prioritise AI Governance Over Rapid Adoption appeared first on Supply Chain Outlook.

ESG Report Introduces Double Materiality Assessment

JAGGAER has published its 2025 ESG Report, marking five consecutive years of sustainability reporting and setting out the company’s latest environmental, social and governance priorities.

A key addition to this year’s report is JAGGAER’s first Double Materiality Assessment (DMA), carried out with reference to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The assessment evaluates both the impact of the company’s activities on society and the environment, and how sustainability-related risks and opportunities could affect the business. According to JAGGAER, the findings have shaped the priorities and scope of its latest ESG reporting.

The company also said it has continued to develop its Plan Zero climate strategy while embedding additional ESG capabilities into its JAGGAER One Source-to-Pay platform.

Andrew Roszko, Chief Executive Officer at JAGGAER, said: “This is not simply a record of what we have measured or disclosed. It is a reflection of who we are, and a commitment to who we are becoming. This report reflects a structured, evidence-based program that we are committed to improving year over year. Our aim is to measure our impact honestly and to support our customers as they work toward their own sustainability goals.”

Key Achievements

• First Double Materiality Assessment: Published its first Double Materiality Assessment, aligned with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), to strengthen ESG reporting and identify both business risks and environmental and social impacts.
• EcoVadis Performance: Improved its EcoVadis sustainability score by 83 per cent since 2021, rising from 41 to 75 and placing JAGGAER in the top 8 per cent of more than 130,000 companies assessed globally and the top 4 per cent in its industry.
• Industry-First AI Certification: Became the first Source-to-Pay provider to achieve ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems, recognising its approach to responsible AI governance.
• Climate Progress: Reduced total greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent since 2021 and remains on track to meet its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments, supported by a refined emissions measurement methodology.
• People and Workplace Recognition: Achieved external recognition for its workplace culture, with JAGGAER India earning Great Place to Work® certification and its North America business named a Gallagher Best-in-Class Employer for the fourth consecutive year.

Climate Strategy Delivers Emissions Reductions

JAGGAER has now measured and published its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for five consecutive years.

Since its 2021 baseline, the company reports a 42 per cent reduction in total emissions. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have fallen by 23 per cent, while Scope 3 emissions have decreased by 43 per cent, exceeding the company’s Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-aligned 2030 target.

JAGGAER attributes part of this progress to a refined emissions measurement approach developed in collaboration with enterprise sustainability platform Watershed.

The company also reported a significant improvement in its EcoVadis sustainability rating. Its overall score has increased by 83 per cent since its first assessment in 2021, placing JAGGAER among the top 8 per cent of companies assessed globally and the top 4 per cent within its industry in 2025.

Responsible AI Governance Recognised

Alongside its environmental progress, JAGGAER highlighted advances in AI governance.

During 2025, the company became the first Source-to-Pay provider to announce certification to ISO/IEC 42001, the international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems.

JAGGAER said the certification reflects its approach to responsible and transparent AI governance, aligned with both the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework and the European Union AI Act.

Workforce and Community Investment Continue

The report also outlines progress across the company’s social commitments.

By the end of 2025, JAGGAER employed more than 1,200 people across 17 countries. Women represented 41.8 per cent of the global workforce and held 35 per cent of management positions.

Employee volunteering also increased during the year, while the company received external recognition for its workplace culture. JAGGAER India achieved Great Place to Work® certification, and its North America business was recognised as a Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher for the fourth consecutive year.

The latest report forms part of JAGGAER’s ongoing ESG reporting programme, with the company stating that its sustainability strategy is intended to support both its own operations and customers seeking to achieve their environmental and procurement objectives.

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AI and Digital Procurement Fuel Growth

Amazon Business has reached USD$60 billion in annualised gross sales during the second quarter, reflecting continued demand for digital procurement solutions from organisations seeking to improve purchasing efficiency and reduce costs.

The business buying platform now serves more than 11 million organisations across 11 countries, with more than 1.8 million new organisations joining during the first half of the year.

Customers range from hospitals, schools and manufacturers to hotels, with Amazon Business reporting that 97 of the Fortune 100 companies now use the platform.

AI Tools Improve Purchasing Efficiency

The company has introduced several AI-powered tools designed to help procurement teams identify savings opportunities and improve purchasing decisions.

These include Amazon Business Assistant, which provides real-time account support and purchasing recommendations based on previous buying activity, Savings Insights, which analyses spend to identify opportunities such as quantity discounts and repeat ordering, and Spend Anomaly Monitoring, which alerts organisations to unusual purchasing activity to help reduce errors and unnecessary expenditure.

Shelley Salomon, Worldwide Vice President of Amazon Business, said: “Organizations of all sizes trust Amazon Business for vast selection, everyday value, and fast, reliable delivery—and that trust is reflected in our continued growth.

As organizations look to do more with less, we’re inventing new ways to help them save time and money—and reinvest in growing their business.”

Expanding Product Selection Supports Supplier Consolidation

Amazon Business has expanded its product catalogue by nearly 30 per cent globally this year, with growth across categories including repair tools, office furniture and fresh groceries.

Additional procurement tools such as Guided Buying help organisations direct employees towards preferred products, while Alexa for Shopping Assistant supports product discovery and evaluation.

Logistics Network Supports Business Deliveries

To strengthen fulfilment capabilities, Amazon Business completed more than half a billion deliveries worldwide last year.

The company is also expanding its dedicated business delivery network across 13 US states with purpose-built delivery vehicles designed to serve commercial locations, including warehouses, office buildings, universities and distribution facilities.

The service supports scheduled delivery windows, palletised freight, parcel deliveries and consolidated drop-offs to improve delivery predictability for business customers.

Prime Business Adds Operational Benefits

Amazon Business has also expanded the benefits available through Prime Business membership.

Recent additions include Amazon Quick, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant designed to help organisations schedule meetings, create dashboards and generate work outputs using enterprise security and governance provided through Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The platform has also introduced benefits through partnerships with CrowdStrike, Gusto and QuickBooks, supporting cybersecurity, payroll and accounting alongside procurement activities.

Scott Thompson, Vice President, Logistics, North America, at Carnival Corporation, said: “Amazon Business has made it easier for our teams to get what they need, when they need it. Procurement tasks that used to take hours—searching across vendors, routing approvals, reordering supplies—can now be done in minutes. It’s a better experience for our team members, and we’re looking forward to building on that with Amazon Business as we find new ways to improve how we work.”

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Acquisition Expands Global Supply Chain Sustainability Platform

ASUENE has completed the acquisition of UK-based supply chain carbon management platform Secaro, strengthening its presence in Europe and North America while expanding its capabilities in supply chain emissions management.

The acquisition is ASUENE’s eighth and forms part of the company’s strategy to support manufacturers as regulatory requirements increase around measuring, reporting and reducing Scope 3 emissions.

Secaro provides supply chain sustainability data collection, analytics and supplier decarbonisation programmes for global manufacturers operating in more than 90 countries. Its customer network spans more than 8,000 companies, including manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda and GM.

ASUENE has doubled its customer base over the past year to 56,000 organisations across Japan, Asia, North America and Europe.

Strengthening Scope 3 And Supplier Decarbonisation Capabilities

The acquisition integrates Secaro’s supplier engagement, sustainability data and analytics capabilities into ASUENE’s AI-powered sustainability platform.

The combined offering will enable manufacturers to strengthen supply chain emissions management through enhanced supplier collaboration, product-level CO2 measurement and lifecycle assessment (LCA) capabilities.

The deal also expands ASUENE’s reach across the UK, Europe and North America, where manufacturers are facing increasing requirements to measure and disclose emissions throughout their supply chains.

Supporting Regulatory Compliance

ASUENE said the acquisition strengthens its position in markets where sustainability reporting requirements continue to evolve.

In Europe, large organisations are already reporting sustainability information under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), while additional companies are expected to come into scope from 2028.

In the UK, International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)-aligned Sustainability Reporting Standards have been proposed for listed companies from 2027.

Scope 3 emissions typically account for the largest proportion of an organisation’s carbon footprint, making supplier emissions data an increasingly important compliance priority.

Combined Platform Targets Global Manufacturing Supply Chains

Kohei Nishiwada, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ASUENE, said: “Since signing our business alliance agreement with Secaro in July 2025, the two companies have built deep mutual trust while exploring how far we could take our collaboration. Today, I’m honored that Secaro has made the decision to join the ASUENE group. My heartfelt thanks go to CEO Toby, the leadership team, the shareholders, and everyone who helped bring this together.

Secaro serves the supply chains of some of the world’s largest manufacturers, including super major players in automotive and pharmaceuticals. By joining forces with ASUENE, we’ll deliver even greater value to those customers, connecting supply chain data not only across the US and Europe but globally, including Japan and Asia, strengthening our product-level CO2 and LCA capabilities, and helping companies throughout the supply chain cut both energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Together, we intend to unlock the full power of this combination and become the clear global No. 1 in manufacturing supply chains.”

Partnership Aims to Accelerate Supply Chain Decarbonisation

Toby Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Secaro, said: “Joining ASUENE is an exciting new chapter for Secaro.

From the very beginning, our mission has been to help manufacturers work more effectively with their suppliers to reduce emissions across global supply chains.

By combining Secaro’s deep expertise in supplier engagement with ASUENE’s technology, AI capabilities and international reach, we’ll be able to innovate faster, deliver even greater value to our customers and help accelerate decarbonization at global scale. I’m incredibly excited about what we can achieve together.”

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E-Commerce Logistics Integration

Maersk has entered into a partnership with ShippyPro to make its e-commerce logistics services available directly through ShippyPro’s multi-carrier shipping platform.

The integration forms part of Maersk’s broader platform strategy, which combines the development of its own digital solutions with third-party integrations to help customers manage increasingly complex logistics operations. The capability is now available through ShippyPro’s platform.

Simplifying Cross-Border Supply Chains

The partnership is designed to help e-commerce businesses address growing challenges associated with international expansion, including cross-border shipping, carrier management, delivery visibility and customer experience.

Through the integration, ShippyPro customers can access Maersk E-Commerce services without changing their existing shipping workflows. Businesses can use Maersk’s parcel orchestration capabilities alongside other carriers while continuing to manage shipments, tracking and returns from a single platform.

Customers also gain access to domestic and international delivery options without introducing additional operational processes or technology integrations.

Digital Platforms Improve Customer Access

Maersk said the partnership reflects growing demand for logistics providers to integrate with the digital platforms customers already use to manage their operations.

“Customers increasingly expect logistics providers to integrate seamlessly into the digital ecosystems where they manage their business. Our partnership with ShippyPro reflects Maersk’s commitment to making our e-commerce logistics solutions easier to access, while continuing to expand our e-commerce parcel orchestration capabilities,” said Helena Garcia, Regional Head of E-Commerce Europe at Maersk.

Supporting Multi-Carrier Logistics Operations

ShippyPro’s platform automates shipping, tracking and returns across multiple carriers. By combining these capabilities with Maersk’s international e-commerce logistics network, the partnership aims to provide merchants with greater flexibility as they expand into new markets.

“Our customers are scaling into new markets faster than ever, and carrier complexity shouldn’t be what slows them down. Bringing Maersk’s e-commerce delivery network into ShippyPro means our merchants get access to a world-class parcel carrier without adding a single new integration to their stack.

That’s the kind of partnership that genuinely moves the needle for e-commerce businesses managing cross-border logistics,” said Francesco Borghi, CEO and Co-Founder of ShippyPro.

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Partnership Enhances Supplier Access and Tail Spend Management

Ivalua has announced a strategic partnership with Unite that integrates the two companies’ procurement platforms, enabling organisations to manage tail and non-contracted spend through access to Unite’s network of more than 2,000 vetted European suppliers.

The integration combines Ivalua’s enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) procurement platform with Unite’s catalogue-based marketplace, allowing customers to manage supplier sourcing and purchasing within existing procurement workflows.

The companies said the partnership is designed to improve supplier management, consolidate long-tail purchasing and increase spend visibility across procurement operations.

Integrated Procurement Platform Simplifies Purchasing

Through the integration, procurement teams can search, compare and purchase products from Unite’s supplier network without leaving the Ivalua platform.

The solution allows organisations to maintain existing approval workflows and compliance controls while managing non-contracted spend digitally.

The partnership also extends Ivalua’s Search360 technology by providing access to products that fall outside existing supplier contracts. At the same time, Unite will be able to incorporate customers’ contracted supplier catalogues, making them available through both Unite’s marketplace and Ivalua’s Search360 functionality.

The combined capability is intended to simplify product searches and reduce the time required to source goods.

Procurement Teams Gain Greater Spend Visibility

Ivalua said customers will benefit from broader product catalogues, improved access to local suppliers across Europe and enhanced spend data to support financial oversight and procurement decision-making.

The partnership is also intended to strengthen procurement resilience by providing organisations with access to a wider network of pre-vetted suppliers while maintaining visibility and governance over non-contracted purchasing.

Gabriel Giret, Vice President of Alliances at Ivalua, said: “Partnering with Unite gives our customers an even stronger procurement ecosystem. Unite’s marketplace adds breadth, compliance, and supplier diversity to the Ivalua experience, empowering organizations to make smarter, more sustainable purchasing decisions with simplicity and control.”

Collaboration Supports Sustainable and Local Sourcing

The companies said the integration also supports sustainability objectives by making it easier for procurement teams to identify responsible suppliers and increase local sourcing across European markets.

Unite’s procurement platform is designed to promote fair competition while supporting regional supplier ecosystems through its network of European businesses.

Zachary Rubio Grundell, Head of Global Partner Management at Unite, said: “Ivalua and Unite share a commitment to simplifying procurement for modern organizations. Together, we’re making it easier for companies to discover trusted suppliers, streamline purchasing, and build more resilient, sustainable supply chains.”

Digital Integration Strengthens Procurement Operations

By combining AI-enabled procurement workflows with Unite’s supplier marketplace, the partnership aims to give organisations greater control over indirect and non-contracted spend while improving supplier discovery, compliance and purchasing efficiency.

The integration enables procurement teams to expand supplier choice without disrupting existing procurement processes, supporting more transparent, efficient and sustainable sourcing across European supply chains.

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