Shoptalk 2025: A case for modularity to improve supply chains

This year’s Shoptalk buzzed with talk of artificial intelligence, unified commerce and consumer engagement but one critical theme stood out across all conversations: the urgent need for modularity in supply chains.

For B2B brands, 3PL providers and retailers alike, the message was clear. Navigating today’s disruptions...global volatility, economic pressures and increasingly complex commerce ecosystems...requires more than incremental updates. It demands a modular approach to supply chain technology.

Modularity is no longer a "nice-to-have." It’s the foundation for building agile, scalable and cost-efficient operations. 

Key themes we heard repeatedly at Shoptalk:

• Inventory visibility is still a widespread challenge.
• eCommerce and supply chain teams need better alignment.
• 90% of the customer experience happens post-purchase.
• Buying one-size-fits-all solutions that live eternally in the cloud is no longer sustainable...modular SaaS is the future.

Why modular technology is the future of supply chains

Supply chains today are more than logistics; they're the front line of customer experience. From delivery speed to real-time updates, the post-purchase journey can make or break customer satisfaction.

Yet many businesses still rely on rigid, monolithic systems built for a different era. Modularity breaks that mold, offering:

• Flexibility to respond to market shifts and supply chain disruptions.
• Cost-efficiency by allowing teams to adopt only the features they need.
• Scalability that evolves with business growth, without full system overhauls.

A modular supply chain architecture breaks complex systems into smaller, plug-and play components. These modules can integrate seamlessly and be updated independently, making transformation more achievable and sustainable.

5 Shoptalk 2025 insights that reinforce modularity

Here are five key insights from Shoptalk 2025 that underscore the importance of modularity in today’s supply chains.

1. AI maturity is driving modular adoption

AI was once again front and center, but this year’s conversations moved beyond hype. The spotlight was on Agentic AI; intelligent systems that can autonomously manage demand planning, inventory optimization and more.
Retailers and B2B brands now expect AI embedded into modular systems, delivering real, measurable outcomes like reduced cost and better resource use. Flashy AI dashboards aren’t enough. Integrated, operational AI is the new standard.

2. Unified commerce needs modular foundations

Unified commerce—connecting eCommerce platforms, warehouses, marketplaces and physical stores—requires seamless data flow and system integration.

Modularity is what makes this possible. Interoperable modules act as building blocks that simplify integrations across siloed systems, enabling a connected and cohesive customer journey.

3. Benchmarking brings clarity to supply chain investments

Shoptalk 2025 introduced new benchmarking capabilities, including a tool from Manhattan Associates and Google Cloud that allows businesses to assess supply chain performance against industry benchmarks.

This shift to data-driven decision-making makes modularity even more valuable. Instead of replacing entire systems, companies can pinpoint and improve underperforming components, driving ROI while minimizing disruption.

4. Cost-efficiency is a strategic priority

With inflation, tariffs and rising logistics costs, total cost of ownership (TCO) is top of mind for enterprise decision-makers.

Modular solutions help reduce TCO by eliminating feature bloat and unnecessary overhead. Businesses can implement only what they need, when they need it, maximizing return while staying lean.

5. Stronger collaboration between eCommerce and supply chain teams

To deliver a seamless post-purchase experience, eCommerce and supply chain professionals must work together. Shoptalk conversations highlighted how modular systems bridge the gap between front-end and back-end tools.

For example, modular architectures enable tighter integration between eCommerce platforms and warehouse management systems (WMS), improving inventory accuracy, delivery transparency and customer trust.

How modularity fuels transformation

Legacy systems are often the biggest blockers to innovation. Modularity changes that by enabling faster, safer experimentation and rollout.

• Rapid innovation: Plug in technologies like AI, IoT, or RFID without disrupting core systems.
• Faster implementation: Modular tools accelerate time to value.
• Reduced risk: Swap or upgrade individual components instead of replacing entire systems.

Take 3PLs as an example. By adopting modular tech stacks, they’re now offering tailored capabilities like live tracking, route optimization and real-time data sharing without locking themselves into rigid IT architectures.

Getting started with modular supply chains

To harness the benefits of modularity, businesses need a thoughtful, phased approach. Start with these steps:

• Audit your current systems to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Invest in modular-ready platforms that scale with your business.
• Prioritize interoperability using APIs or middleware to connect modules seamlessly.
• Track ROI continuously with benchmarking tools to guide modular improvements. 

The path forward

Shoptalk 2025 made it clear: modularity isn’t just a trend, it’s the path forward for building resilient, future-ready supply chains.

For eCommerce leaders, logistics teams and retail strategists, modularity offers more than operational efficiency. It’s a blueprint for innovation, customer-centricity and long-term competitive edge.

Is your supply chain ready to evolve?

Talk to our experts today and explore how a modular approach can transform your operations from the inside out.