On February 27, 2020, the world changed forever as the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Netherlands. Businesses faced an unprecedented crisis, supply chains crumbled, and organizations had to adapt rapidly. During this critical period, IT consultancy firms played a crucial role in helping businesses navigate uncertainty, implement digital transformation, and enhance supply chain resilience.

Now, five years later, we reflect on how IT solutions and IT consultancy firms played a crucial role in business survival and look ahead to how they will continue shaping the future.

Before the pandemic, mid-sized logistics companies relied on traditional methods, manual tracking, spreadsheets, and in-person meetings. When lockdowns hit, operations ground to a halt. Suppliers failed to deliver, demand became unpredictable, and team was suddenly forced to work remotely. With no visibility and no control, businesses feared the worst. That’s when companies partnered with an IT consultancy firm to implement digital solutions that would not only save their businesses but also prepare them for the future.

How IT Solutions Helped Businesses Survive

Over the past five years, IT solutions and consulting have played a crucial role in helping businesses to adapt, survive, and thrive. Here’s how:

1. Cloud-Based Supply Chain Management

When physical operations were disrupted, companies had to shift to cloud-based platforms to manage their supply chains efficiently. Solutions like SAP IBP (Integrated Business Planning) allowed businesses to forecast demand, optimize inventory, and collaborate with suppliers remotely.They could track supplier shipments, forecast demand, and make data-driven decisions from anywhere.

How IT consultancy helped:

• Implementing SAP IBP and cloud-based ERPs for better visibility and real-time decision-making.
• Enabling businesses to scale their operations seamlessly with cloud adoption.

2. AI & Automation for Optimization

With workforce shortages and increased demand fluctuations, automation and AI-driven analytics became essential. AI-powered demand forecasting and robotic process automation (RPA) helped reduce human errors and improve efficiency. AI-powered predictive analytics helped businesses forecast trends and prevent supply chain disruptions. Most of the companies automated key processes, reducing manual errors and improving efficiency.

Key solutions provided by IT consultancy:

• Implementing AI-driven predictive analytics for demand planning.
• Automating repetitive tasks to improve operational efficiency.
• Enhancing warehouse and inventory management with smart automation.

3.Cybersecurity & Risk Management

As businesses moved online, cyber threats increased. IT consultancies stepped in to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring that companies remained protected from cyberattacks and data breaches. With remote work, businesses faced increased cyber threats. IT consultancies stepped in to build secure infrastructures. Companies implemented multi-layer security measures, ensuring data protection and compliance.

IT consultancy’s approach:

• Implementing secure IT infrastructures to prevent cyber threats.
• Enhancing data protection measures for supply chain operations.
• Conducting cybersecurity training to improve awareness within organizations.

4. Remote Work & Digital Collaboration

COVID-19 accelerated the need for remote work solutions. IT consultancies introduced collaboration tools, cloud-based ERP systems, and secure remote access to keep operations running smoothly. Digital transformation enabled remote teams to stay connected through cloud ERP systems and collaboration tools. Most of the companies adopted platforms like Microsoft Teams and SAP Fiori, ensuring uninterrupted communication and workflow.

Key IT solutions:

• Setting up cloud collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and SAP Fiori.
• Ensuring seamless integration between supply chain teams working remotely.
• Providing virtual training & IT support to employees adapting to new systems.

5.Resilience & Future-Proofing Strategies

Beyond immediate survival, businesses needed to build resilience for future disruptions. IT consultants helped companies redesign their supply chains to be more agile, scalable, and responsive. Businesses learned that adaptability was key to survival. IT consultants helped create flexible supply chain models to respond to future crises. And now companies leverages digital twin technology to simulate supply chain disruptions and adjust in real time.

IT Consultancy’s impact:

• Developing digital twin technology to simulate supply chain scenarios.
• Creating flexible supply chain models that adapt to market changes.
• Implementing data-driven decision-making for long-term growth.

The Road Ahead: The Future of IT in Supply Chain

Now, five years later, businesses that embraced IT solutions are stronger, smarter, and more resilient. But the journey isn’t over, technology will continue to shape the future:

• AI-driven decision-making will refine supply chain efficiency.
• Blockchain technology will enhance transparency and security.
• IoT-enabled logistics will improve real-time tracking and automation.
• Sustainable IT solutions will support eco-friendly supply chain operations.

IT continues to be a key driver of innovation and resilience in supply chains. Companies that invested in digital transformation during the crisis are now more agile, efficient, and prepared for future challenges.

Bolders Consulting Group remains committed to helping businesses harness technology to optimize their supply chains and stay ahead of the curve. The next phase of supply chain evolution will be driven by AI, blockchain, IoT, and sustainable IT solutions and we’re here to guide businesses every step of the way. How has your business evolved in the past five years?