Strategic priorities in healthcare supply chain for 2026: Findings from symplr

symplr has published their “2026 State of Healthcare Supply Chain Survey,” an overview of current challenges and trends affecting healthcare supply chain. The survey reveals that supply chain teams are feeling more burdened than ever before.

Among the top obstacles are disruptions and cost savings. Material shortages account for 46% of disruptions. Additional key findings:

• Nearly half of respondents anticipate cost savings goals to rise by at least 5%.
• Just 3% reported having support from clinicians, 17% less than last year.
• 32% of respondents have a supply chain that is fully integrated with clinical.

Based on the survey results, supply chain professionals are prioritizing the following actions in 2026 in order:

1. Finding opportunities for cost savings
2. Enhancing patient outcomes
3. Standardizing processes & monitoring and reducing unnecessary utilization

The report is also aimed to be a resource for supply chain professionals and includes tips on how to navigate these challenges.