The eCommerce landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead means understanding where the industry is headed—not just where it’s been. That’s why Made4net partnered with Supply Chain 24/7 and Peerless Research Group to sponsor the 2025 State of Technology and Software Study – What’s Next for e-Commerce, a comprehensive look at the technologies and strategies shaping the future of supply chain operations.
This research surveyed decision-makers who evaluate, operate, and recommend technology solutions for their organizations—the professionals on the front lines of eCommerce transformation. From robotics and AI to last-mile delivery innovations, the study explores what’s working inside and outside the four walls, where companies are investing next, and what separates high-performing operations from those still playing catch-up.
Whether you’re planning your technology roadmap or evaluating solutions to handle growing eCommerce demands, these insights offer a data-driven look at what’s actually moving the needle in 2025—and what you need to prioritize to stay competitive.
The Growing Importance of AI and Machine Learning
While 75% of the study respondents rated AI and machine learning as “very” or “somewhat” important for warehouse efficiency, only 30% have either “fully” or “partially” deployed robotics, such as automated picking, sorting, or packaging systems. The gap between awareness and action can be attributed to several key barriers:
- High upfront costs: Automation and robotics require significant investment in hardware, setup, specialized software, and often involve changes to warehouse space and layout. While AI and machine learning promise cost savings over time, the initial investment can be a major hurdle for many operations.
- Integration challenges: Robotics and warehouse automation must integrate seamlessly with existing warehouse management systems (WMS), data flows, and operational processes—a complex undertaking that requires time and careful planning. Without robust preparation, new technology can disrupt rather than enhance operations.
- Cultural resistance: System-wide changes like robotics require employee buy-in to succeed. Warehouse staff need reassurance that technology is there to support them, not replace them. Retraining programs, clear communication, and upskilling initiatives are essential for helping employees embrace—rather than resist—automation adoption.
The Foundation Gap: Why Core Systems Come First
While 65% of study respondents rated the impact of warehouse automation on overall efficiency as “highly” or “somewhat” beneficial, the adoption numbers reveal a concerning gap in foundational technology. Only 63% have implemented a warehouse management system (WMS)—the essential backbone of any modern warehouse operation. More advanced technologies lag even further behind: just 21% have adopted robotics, and only 20% have implemented automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
This data highlights a critical challenge: many organizations are eager to embrace cutting-edge automation, but they’re trying to build on shaky ground. Without a robust WMS in place to manage inventory, orchestrate workflows, and provide the data foundation that advanced technologies require, investments in robotics and automation are far less likely to deliver their promised returns.
The message is clear—before racing toward the flashiest innovations, companies need to ensure their core systems are solid enough to support them. A strong WMS isn’t just nice to have; it’s the prerequisite that makes everything else possible.
The Value of Automation—What Leaders are Seeing
Those who have implemented automation in their operations are seeing real results. Among respondents who’ve adopted warehouse automation, the benefits are clear:
- Improved accuracy: 40%
- Reduced labor costs: 23%
- Enhanced scalability: 12%
- Faster processing time: 11%
- Increased throughput: 9%
Middle Mile: The Hidden Efficiency Gap
The survey took a close look at a topic not often discussed: middle mile logistics, which refers to the transportation segment between the initial distribution point (like a manufacturer or central warehouse) and the final delivery hub or local distribution center. It’s essentially the “middle” leg of the supply chain journey. In eCommerce especially, an efficient middle mile is crucial for enabling faster last-mile delivery while managing costs—it’s about getting products strategically positioned so they can reach customers quickly when orders come in.
The survey reveals that companies handle middle mile operations in varied ways: 23% manage it in-house, 33% outsource it entirely, and 35% use a combination of both approaches. Yet despite its critical importance, middle mile logistics remains largely unoptimized. Only 22% of respondents have adopted technology or automation to improve this segment, with another 16% currently in the process of implementing solutions.
This data points to a significant opportunity. While companies have heavily invested in warehouse automation and last-mile delivery innovations, the middle mile remains relatively untapped—an area where strategic technology investments could yield substantial improvements in speed, cost efficiency, and overall supply chain performance.
Final Mile: Where Costs Meet Opportunity
When it comes to the final mile, high transportation costs rise to the top as one of the biggest challenges companies face, with 65% listing it as a core issue and 74% highlighting that minimizing costs is either “extremely” or “very” important to their operations.
Yet despite this urgency, 58% of respondents haven’t implemented—or even explored—AI-driven solutions for final-mile delivery, such as route optimization or predictive delivery window tools. The disconnect is striking: companies recognize the problem but haven’t acted on available solutions.
However, change appears to be on the horizon. A significant 54% say they’re likely or very likely to integrate AI into middle or final mile logistics within the next 2-3 years, signaling a shift from awareness to action.
The gap between awareness and action isn’t a predicament—it’s an opportunity. AI can streamline routing, optimize delivery windows, predict delays, and offer real-time transparency for both internal teams and end customers. For supply chain leaders, the message is clear: now is the time to act, building the right partnerships and capabilities before the next wave of logistics competition arrives. Those who seize the moment to explore, pilot, and refine these tools will be best positioned to transform high delivery costs into a strategic advantage—delivering differentiated customer experiences while strengthening the bottom line.
The Path Forward: Building Your Competitive Edge
The findings from Supply Chain 24/7’s 2025 State of Technology and Software Study reveal a supply chain industry at an inflection point. While awareness of AI, automation, and advanced logistics solutions is remarkably high, actual adoption lags significantly behind—creating a clear opportunity for forward-thinking organizations to gain competitive advantage. Whether it’s the 37% still operating without a WMS, the largely unoptimized middle mile segment, or the 58% who haven’t explored AI-driven final mile solutions, the gaps represent not roadblocks but opportunities for differentiation.
Ready to dive deeper? Download the complete study to explore detailed findings, industry benchmarks, and actionable insights that can help you prioritize your technology investments and build a roadmap for sustainable growth.
And if you want to discuss how these findings apply to your operation, contact Made4net to explore how the right WMS foundation can position your warehouse for automation success.
