SMEs are no strangers to supply chain curveballs. Delays, rising freight costs, and supplier issues are part of the game.
But it’s not just about solving the latest disruption anymore. It’s about stepping back to question how supply chains are structured, what risks are built in, and what needs to change to stay competitive.
This shift isn’t about chasing trends or rebuilding from scratch. It’s about cutting risk, gaining visibility, and setting up your supply chain to handle whatever 2026 throws your way.
There’s no one-size-fits-all model for SMEs, but certain traits show up in the businesses that are handling disruption well. These aren’t big, expensive overhauls – they’re smart, incremental changes that build flexibility and control over time.
If you're reassessing your supply chain, here are some areas worth looking at more closely.
Diversifying your supplier landscape. Relying on one supplier or country puts you at risk. Even a handful of local alternatives can make a big difference.
Real-time visibility. You can’t plan if you don’t know what’s happening right now. With SAP Business One already capturing stock, freight and lead time data, the next step is using that visibility to act earlier and reduce risk.
AI doing the heavy lifting. Whether it’s sourcing, forecasting, or planning, AI can take the pressure off small teams and speed up decisions. This is where Deep Search helps SAP Business One users shortcut research and surface better options in less time. Asking AI where products can or could be made takes research to a whole new level, and at very little cost.
Freight that fits your operations. A classic move in a tight economy is switching freight providers to cut costs. But if the new supplier doesn’t integrate properly or uses a different process, it can slow things down. For example, one of our customers made the switch, only to revert. Why? The new provider didn’t integrate with their systems, disrupted dispatch, and ended up costing more in time and missed fulfilments.
Benchmarking and collaboration. What are the benchmarks in your industry? Tap into your industry association, compare your performance, and borrow ideas that are already working elsewhere. There’s more information out there than most SMEs realise – you just need to know where to look.
Assessing risk – outsourcing vs in-house. Which part of your process carries most risk? Outsourcing can reduce costs and simplify operations, but it usually means longer lead times, and less agility when things shift. The 2022 iceberg lettuce shortage made that clear. With limited supply and long planning horizons, there was no room to adjust. That doesn’t mean bringing everything in-house, but it does mean knowing where being closer to the process gives you an edge.
Working capital awareness. Inventory ties up cash, and delays increase holding costs. Some SMEs are using trade finance to fund stock without draining their own capital – keeping operations moving while protecting the balance sheet.
AI is already helping small businesses streamline decision-making and reduce admin overhead.
One of the biggest advantages of a connected ERP like SAP Business One is the ability to access real-time inventory information through APIs. That includes how long it takes for stock to land, and how products sit across your mix.
Feeding this into an AI model gives a clearer picture of what to hold and when. In the past, that meant building a huge Excel spreadsheet that could take days. Now, AI can generate a solid starting point in minutes. It still needs reviewing, but even if it takes half a day to check, you’re already ahead.
Looking for a new supplier? Ask AI.
Want to estimate when you’ll run out of a fast mover? AI can forecast it.
Need to streamline planning? Let AI pull the key numbers for you.
The trick is knowing where to use it – and where not to. It’s not magic, but it’s a great way to start smarter.
Whether you’re fine-tuning your supply chain or rethinking it more broadly, one shift is becoming clear. The more visibility you have, the more time you give yourself to respond – to adjust, redirect, or make a better call before the pressure hits.
That’s why having a 360° view matters. When you’re closer to what’s happening – across stock, suppliers, freight, and lead times – you’re in a better position to pivot.
Ready to take a clearer approach to your supply chain? SAP Business One can help you reduce delays and make faster, better-informed decisions. Talk to Key Business Solutions today.