A new survey from Software Advice identified the top concerns and challenges for supply chain leaders across the globe in 2024. 

The software company gathered responses from 1,100 supply chain managers divided among the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, and Australia, focusing primarily on small- to midsize-businesses (SMBs) employing fewer than 1,500 people. Headed into the latter half of 2024, 45% said that inflation was their top concern, while 33% worry about a potential recession. Half of respondents in France said inflation was their biggest concern, the most of any country.

SMB supply chain leaders also expressed challenges in attracting skilled workers, with 80% saying that they've been struggling to bring in new "supply chain-focused" workers in the last two years. The top areas SMBs have struggled to hire and retain in include logistics/distribution (34%), quality control (28%), and customer service (28%). 

Leaders stressed a need to invest in additional cybersecurity measures as well, with 41% reporting one or more disruptions from cyberattacks in the last year. Over 55% said they believe advanced cybersecurity is "very important" to their success.