Insights from the IMEC supply chain survey
As today’s supplier landscape continues to shift, tomorrow’s solutions must evolve with it, making the voices of Illinois’ small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) more important than ever.
Through a supply chain survey, IMEC has gathering insights directly from Illinois manufacturers to better understand the challenges they’re facing. 318 manufacturers across all tiers of the supply chain have weighed in. And the early findings are clear: SMMs are busy navigating turbulence.
A U.S.-Based Supply Chain: But Still Facing Struggles
Most Illinois SMMs report having a fully U.S.-based supply chain: 77% of respondents, to be exact. Only 7% rely primarily on international suppliers, with that choice largely driven by cost, availability, or supplier preference.
But even with supply chains rooted in the U.S., manufacturers are feeling the pressure. The top challenge? Rising costs. A full 74% of respondents flagged this as a major concern.
Other commonly reported issues include:
- Supplier delays and unreliability
- Tariffs
- Labor and skills shortages
- Difficulty sourcing materials and components
Limited Resources to Manage Big Challenges
Despite the growing list of supply chain challenges, many manufacturers are tackling them without dedicated support.
- 72% of SMMs said they don’t have a supply chain professional or team in place.
- More than half manage their supply chains manually, using spreadsheets or basic tracking tools instead of formal systems.
What These Insights Tell Us
Even with a supply chain centered in the U.S., manufacturers are grappling with increasing complexity—and doing it with limited resources. These challenges don’t stay isolated to the supply chain; they affect production, delivery, and the bottom line.
So, What Can You Do?
While these challenges are real, there are actionable steps manufacturers can take, starting now, to strengthen their supply chain resilience. Consider:
- Negotiating with suppliers to better manage rising costs
- Building redundancy for critical suppliers
- Reassessing product design to include more readily available local components
- Starting to develop a supply chain team or designating internal champions
- Leveraging outside expertise to spark solutions
Need support? The IMEC Supply Chain Center is here to help you get started.
