A study by France Supply Chain and BearingPoint shows that the digital transformation of logistics is more mature and customer-oriented.
The digital transformation of the French logistics chain is entering a new era, more pragmatic and resolutely focused on creating value. According to the 3rd edition of the technological trends barometer, published on Monday, March 23, 2026, by France Supply Chain in partnership with the consulting firm BearingPoint, companies now adopt a selective and reasoned approach to innovation. Conducted between June and October 2025, the study reveals that while enthusiasm for certain technologies such as blockchain is fading, others like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), or Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are firmly embedded in strategies.
“Organizations are neither blindly enthusiastic nor skeptical. They seek the right use, in the right place, for the right business,” analyzes Éric Pradoux, Senior Expert Supply Chain at BearingPoint. This maturity is reflected in targeted investments, aiming for concrete gains in performance and customer satisfaction.
Customer expectations, a key driver of investment
The findings are clear: for 85% of the companies surveyed, the evolution of customer expectations remains the main driver of technological investments. The Supply Chain is perceived as a strategic lever for differentiation and competitiveness. At the same time, regulatory requirements, particularly in terms of traceability, compliance, and sustainability, are emerging as a structuring factor for more than half of the companies (47%).
The digitalization of customer relationships, considered a major challenge by 72% of respondents in 2025, reflects this orientation, although this figure is slightly lower compared to 2020 (77%), indicating a well-advanced integration of these strategies.
Data management, a strategic challenge
The transformation of the Supply Chain is based on a fundamental foundation: data mastery. The study shows that the industrial sector is the most advanced in this area, with 72% of companies having defined a clear data strategy, compared to 60% for logistics providers and 55% in distribution. Today, two-thirds of companies (66%) leverage their data through advanced analysis tools, a practice particularly widespread in large groups, which make up 76% of the study panel.
This work on data paves the way for significant optimizations, particularly through artificial intelligence. For companies, the main contribution of AI is its ability to process an increased volume of information to make better and faster decisions.
AI and automation on the rise
Applications of artificial intelligence vary by sector. In distribution, it is mainly used to optimize demand (91%) and transportation (64%). The industry focuses on planning and scheduling (60%), while logistics providers prioritize flow modeling through digital twins (80%).
In parallel, the automation and robotization of logistics and production processes (LMRA) continue to grow. The proportion of companies implementing such solutions has increased from 55% in 2020 to 66% in 2025. Distribution (73%) and industry (67%) are the most dynamic. The automation of robotic processes (RPA), especially for administrative tasks, is also making significant progress, adopted by 67% of companies in 2025 compared to 49% five years earlier.
Challenges and perspectives: sustainability and execution
Despite these advances, major challenges persist. Companies cite difficulties related to execution (49%), industrialization of solutions (36%), and demonstrating their profitability (35%).
Finally, the transition to a sustainable Supply Chain remains an emerging issue. Only 8% of companies report fully integrating circularity into their operations. A large majority (74%) are still in the exploration phase, while 18% have not yet embarked on this issue, which is projected to be one of the next major challenges for the sector.
The complete study is available on the France Supply Chain website, the association comprising over 450 companies and 5,000 professionals in the sector in France.
