What “adaptable supply chain execution” actually looks like

Disruption with change is the new environment that supply chains operate in.
From shifting trade routes to unpredictable weather and labor shortages, supply chain leaders are dealing with moving targets on every front. Customer expectations aren’t slowing down either.

Whilst adaptability is a priority, what’s missing is clarity on what it actually looks like in day-to-day execution.

At Infios, we’ve spent years helping global operations leaders modernize their supply chain tech stack and we’ve seen firsthand what separates companies that bounce back from those that break under pressure.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what adaptable supply chain execution means (beyond vague platitudes) and how real companies are putting it into action.

Adaptability: not just planning, but execution 

Adaptable supply chain execution is about a supply chain’s ability to adjust dynamically in response to both internal shifts and external shocks.  

Most supply chain leaders understand the importance of agile planning. But adaptability doesn’t stop at the planning phase. Execution is where strategy meets reality and it’s where many supply chains fall short. 

Adaptable supply chain execution isn’t about having the perfect plan. It’s about what happens when the plan no longer fits.

It means responding in real time when things shift, not just adjusting the spreadsheet after the fact.

That could mean changing your forecast mid-season because demand moved faster than expected. It could mean switching suppliers on short notice when a border closes.  

It could also mean scaling production back one week and ramping it up the next or rerouting shipments because a port is suddenly offline.

Rather than being seen as a feature, adaptability is the combination of digital tools, operational readiness and decision-making that lets you move when the situation changes.

Real-world implementations of adaptable supply chain execution 

Let’s look at how real companies are designing supply chains for executional flexibility: 

Cisco: segmented supply chains for speed 

Cisco doesn't run one supply chain, it runs three - each is tailored to a product segment: 

• High-volume products are manufactured via contract partners in low-cost regions 

• Mid-range products are assembled in low-cost countries and configured closer to the customers 

• Highly customized low-volume solutions are built near key end markets to reduce lead time 

This multi-tiered strategy allows Cisco to pivot quickly when disruptions hit. 

Intel: Vertical integration for fast response 

Intel’s integrated model gives it tight control over chip production - a major advantage during times of silicon shortage or shifting tech trends. Because they control design and manufacturing, Intel can change specs, adjust capacity and move faster than competitors reliant on contract fabs. 

3 strategies often overlooked when implementing adaptable supply chain execution 

Most advice on supply chain agility focuses on the obvious: more dashboards, better forecasting, faster decisions. These are important, but they’re not enough.  

Here are three under-discussed levers that drive true adaptability: 

1. Cross-ecosystem collaboration 

Resilience goes beyond your immediate suppliers. Logistics partners, customs brokers, regulators - even competitors, can be part of shared contingency plans. Companies that invest in shared resilience strategies, like pooled inventory hubs or joint logistics partnerships, bounce back faster. 

2. Scenario testing and stress testing - not just forecasting 

Forecasting demand is one thing. Testing your supply chain’s ability to absorb shocks is another.  

Dynamic planning is only half the story. The most adaptable supply chains run regular scenario stress tests, pressure-testing their ability to respond to transportation delays, sudden demand spikes or supplier shutdowns.  

Think of it as fire drills for your logistics network.  

Stress testing different components can identify vulnerabilities and inform contingency planning. 

3. Human-centric flexibility 

AI is powerful, but people still make the calls. Cross-trained warehouse teams, empowered planners and resilient frontline staff are often the difference between disruption and delivery.  

Upskilling isn’t just HR’s job - it’s a supply chain strategy.

CASE STUDY
Boxy’s rapid fulfillment transformation

When Hungarian 3PL Boxy needed to scale fast and flexibly, they partnered with Infios to reimagine their fulfillment operations.  

The result?  

A fully integrated ecosystem of robotics and software that: 

• Boosted picking performance by 233% 
• Enabled 1,300 parcel sorts per hour 
• Gave Boxy the ability to continuously adapt AMR workflows in response to shifting demand. All within 12 months.

Tools that are shaping the future of supply chain execution 

Traditional supply chain tools often fall short in today's dynamic environment. Emerging AI-driven technologies are redefining how supply chains operate, offering real-time responsiveness and predictive capabilities. 

Omar Akilah, SVP of Product at Infios, emphasizes the transformative role of AI in order management.

 In his recent interview, Omar discusses how AI is revolutionizing order orchestration: 

• AI-driven order orchestration: AI agents can autonomously manage order flows, adapting to real-time changes in demand and supply. 

• Predictive decision-making: Machine learning models forecast potential disruptions, enabling proactive adjustments in the supply chain. 

• Anomaly detection: Advanced algorithms identify irregularities in operations, allowing for immediate corrective actions. 

For a deeper dive into these innovations, watch the full interview: 

Built to adapt. Ready to execute. 

The companies winning today aren’t just talking about adaptability. They’re building it into the fabric of their operations, from flexible sourcing to real-time orchestration and human-centered workflows. 

Their systems flex. Their processes reroute. 
Their teams respond. 
And their tech makes that responsiveness faster, smarter and more precise. 

Adaptability is now an executional advantage and not a future goal. 

Curious what adaptable execution could look like for your operations? 
Explore how Infios helps global supply chain leaders rethink what's possible. 
Speak to an expert.