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Differentiating with custom software

This report explores how supply chain and logistics leaders are approaching custom software development amid legacy systems, technical debt, integration challenges, and rapid AI adoption. 

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Report overview

Supply chain and logistics have long powered the global economy behind the scenes. From early ERP systems to today’s AI-enabled platforms, the industry has consistently led the adoption of technology to drive resilience, efficiency, and control.

Today, the pressure is intensifying. Always-on operations, rising complexity, and accelerating eCommerce demands are pushing supply chains to evolve faster than ever. Technology is no longer a support function - it is a strategic advantage.

70%

or more logistics leaders expect AI to significantly impact custom software development

36%

of logistics leaders cite security and compliance as a major concern when considering offshore development

98%

say custom software is central to enterprise strategy, not just an IT concern

What’s Inside

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  • Insider insights

    Why logistics leaders choose custom software over off-the-shelf tools

  • CSD investment drivers

    How integration, governance and compliance shape decision-making

  • CSD challenges and risks

    Where legacy systems and skills gaps are slowing progress

  • How to understand your skills gap

    How AI is changing the future of custom software development

  • Sector comparisons

    What it takes to scale innovation without disrupting operations

About the research

To understand how organisations are responding, NashTech commissioned independent research firm Vanson Bourne to conduct a comprehensive global survey of 850 enterprise IT decision-makers and Independent software vendors (ISVs). The findings provide a unique perspective on how enterprises and ISVs are leveraging custom software to succeed in an AI-first world.

  • 150 supply chain and logistics leaders
  • Organisations with 500 – 9,999 employees
  • Leadership level: Board members, C-suite executives, senior management and mid-level managers
  • Departments: IT, DevOps, data and analytics, engineering and project management
  • Industries: Manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, retail trade, insurance, IT and technology and educational services
  • Regions: EMEA, North America and APAC
2. Who is the ebook for

Expert insights

A must-have resource for technology leaders navigating digital transformation.

This report delivers practical insights, benchmarks and strategic guidance for CTOs, CIOs and senior technology leaders who are considering building custom software.

WHY NASHTECH

More than a software development company

If you need a software development company to provide expert engineers and developers to support your in-house team, we can do that. But what makes NashTech different is that we are a partner who understands your business.

We challenge assumptions, translate complexity into clear decisions and connect technology to real outcomes. Whether you’re building new products or transforming existing systems, we help you move forward with total confidence.

You get honest advice, practical solutions, a team that cares and a partner that is completely invested in your success.

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4.9★

Clutch rating

63

Client net promoter score

5

Global delivery centres

2K+

Engineering experts

26+ years

Engineering excellence

Insights

Expert insights, practical value

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Event takeawayReading time:5 min

Roundtable insights: AI in supply chain and logistics: From hype to readiness

For the third time this year, NashTech, in partnership with CILT UK, hosted a Supply Chain and Logistics Roundtable in Birmingham. Led by NashTech’s Chris Weston, Thomas Pointer, Robert Stenzel, and Stuart Simpson, and CILT’s Richard Atkinson CBE, the event fostered an open discussion on the realities of AI adoption in logistics, as well as to identify practical AI use cases, understand readiness requirements, and take actionable ideas back to their businesses.

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On-demandReading time:3 min

Webinar on demand: Driving business value through custom software

We recently hosted an engaging webinar on the ever-evolving world of custom software development, expertly facilitated by NashTech’s Senior Technology Consultant, Chris Weston. Bringing together a distinguished panel of industry experts from enterprise, ISV and analysts—including Andrew Harrington from Ripe Thinking, Lisa Holmes of Barnett Waddingham, Shane Blinkhorn of CDL, and Marc Dowd from IDC - the session explored the strategic decisions shaping technology in business today. The panel examined the build versus buy debate, emphasised the importance of integration, and discussed emerging trends such as the impact of generative AI, shifting approaches to security, and the need for strong talent pipelines.

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Event takeawayReading time:7 min

The BIG supply chain reset: What you missed (and what we learned) at the CILT & NashTech roundtable

On a bright summer morning in Birmingham, senior leaders from across the supply chain and logistics industry came together to confront uncomfortable truths, challenge assumptions, and reimagine the future. Supported by NashTech, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and supply chain expert Sean Culey explored how commerce, conflict, climate, and technology are reshaping organisations faster than most can keep pace.

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