Skip to content
Close
nodes-background-1

The State of Operational Monitoring

Key insights and emerging trends

Executive Summary

This report provides an analysis of the data collected from a research project on the state of operational monitoring. Based on insights gathered from a diverse group of industry professionals, it highlights the primary drivers, challenges, and opportunities within Operational Monitoring. The findings reveal that organizations are primarily motivated by operational efficiency and risk minimization, while they face challenges related to human error and data accuracy. The report concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance monitoring operations and address these challenges.

Introduction

The 'State of Operational Monitoring' project aimed to gather insights into the operational monitoring practices of various organizations. Through a comprehensive survey, participants from multiple industries shared their experiences, challenges, and perspectives regarding their operational monitoring efforts. This report synthesizes the findings to present a detailed understanding of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field.
quality (2) Efficiency
secure-file Risk reduction

What are the primary drivers of your organization's operational monitoring efforts?

Operational efficiency
80%
Risk minimization
70%
Digital transformation
65%
Regulatory compliance
50%
Cost savings
40%
Sustainability goals
35%
Safety
30%
Revenue generation
20%
Other (please specify)
10%

The Primary Drivers of Operational Monitoring chart illustrates that Risk Minimization and Operational Efficiency are the most prevalent motivators behind organizations' monitoring efforts. The significant emphasis on these drivers indicates a collective recognition of the need to mitigate risks and enhance operational effectiveness in today’s fast-paced market.

Furthermore, the diversity of other drivers such as Digital Transformation and Regulatory Compliance underscores the multifaceted nature of operational monitoring, suggesting that organizations are increasingly aligning their monitoring practices with broader business objectives and regulatory requirements.

How would you rate the current traceability of your supply chain?

Rating 10
4%
Rating 9
4%
Rating 8
20%
Rating 7
16%
Rating 6
12%
Rating 5
24%
Rating 4
12%
Rating 3
4%
Rating 2
4%
Rating 1
0%

The Average Rating of Supply Chain Traceability chart indicates that respondents perceive their own supply chain traceability to be moderately high, with a notable peak at Rating 5.

This suggests that while many organizations believe they have established effective traceability measures, there is still significant room for improvement. The varied ratings highlight differing levels of maturity among organizations, pointing to an opportunity for enhanced practices and investments to ensure that supply chain traceability aligns with best practices and meets industry standards.

What is the most significant challenge your organization faces in temperature monitoring?

Human error
28%
Mobile traceability
20%
Data accuracy
16%
Equipment reliability
12%
Regulatory compliance
8%
Connectivity issues
4%
Redundancy
4%
Other (please specify)
4%

The Significant Challenges in Temperature Monitoring chart highlights that Human Error is perceived as the most significant challenge, with organizations citing it as a recurring issue in their monitoring processes. This finding emphasizes the critical need for improved training, technology, and systems to reduce the likelihood of human error and enhance reliability.

Additionally, the presence of challenges such as Equipment Reliability and Regulatory Compliance further suggests that organizations face a complex landscape, necessitating a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, process optimization, and workforce training to overcome these obstacles effectively.

How critical is data analytics in your monitoring operations?

Rating 10
11%
Rating 9
7%
Rating 8
18%
Rating 7
14%
Rating 6
7%
Rating 5
25%
Rating 4
11%
Rating 3
4%
Rating 2
4%
Rating 1
0%

The Data Analytics Criticality chart illustrates how essential respondents view data analytics in their monitoring operations. With 25% of participants rating its importance as a 5, it reflects a strong acknowledgment of analytics as a key component of effective operational monitoring.

The notable percentage of ratings at 7 and 8 further underscores the consensus that leveraging data analytics significantly enhances decision-making and operational efficiency. These insights are crucial for organizations aiming to optimize their processes and drive innovation in a data-driven landscape.

What specific elements are you monitoring within your operations?

Temperature of storage facilities
43.33%
Equipment condition
26.67%
Checklist processes
23.33%
Employee workflows
20%
Inventory levels
16.67%
Other (please specify)
10%

This chart illustrates the specific elements that organizations prioritize for operational monitoring. The most significant focus, represented by the "Temperature of storage facilities," highlights the critical need for precise temperature control to ensure product quality and safety. Following closely are "Equipment condition" and "Checklist processes," which indicate that businesses are attentive to maintaining equipment integrity and adhering to standard operating procedures.

Understanding which elements are monitored helps organizations identify key areas for improvement and resource allocation, ensuring that operational standards are met and efficiency is maximized.

How confident are you in the accuracy of your monitoring data?

Rating 10
15%
Rating 9
30%
Rating 8
26%
Rating 7
11%
Rating 6
15%
Rating 5
4%
Rating 4
0%
Rating 3
0%
Rating 2
0%
Rating 1
0%

The Confidence in Monitoring Data chart highlights a strong overall trust in the accuracy of operational monitoring systems. A significant portion of respondents, 30%, rated their confidence at 9, while another 26% gave a rating of 8. This suggests that a majority of organizations feel confident in the reliability of their monitoring data. However, with 15% of respondents selecting a rating of 6, it indicates that there are areas for improvement in achieving full confidence across all operations. Organizations should continue to focus on refining their monitoring technologies and data processes to bolster reliability and close any remaining gaps in data accuracy.

What type of operational monitoring solution does your organization currently have in place?

Homegrown/in-house solution (32%)
External vendor solution (28.8%)
Multiple vendors (21.6%)
Comprehensive integrated solution (10.4%)
No solution (7.2%)

The Operational Monitoring Solutions chart offers a clear view of the monitoring approaches organizations are using. With 32% of participants relying on homegrown/in-house solutions, it's evident that many organizations prefer customized internal systems. However, 28.8% of respondents utilize external vendor solutions, highlighting the trust placed in third-party providers for operational monitoring.

Additionally, 21.6% of organizations leverage multiple vendors, showcasing the growing trend of hybrid approaches to meet complex needs. Smaller groups are adopting comprehensive integrated solutions (10.4%) or report having no solution (7.2%), indicating untapped potential for innovation and growth.

This diversity of solutions underscores the importance of evaluating current systems and the potential value of combining both internal capabilities and external partnerships to enhance operational monitoring effectiveness.

How integrated are your monitoring operations with your overall supply chain management systems?

Rating 10
3%
Rating 9
0%
Rating 8
17%
Rating 7
14%
Rating 6
11%
Rating 5
20%
Rating 4
9%
Rating 3
3%
Rating 2
11%
Rating 1
11%

The chart illustrating the integration of monitoring operations with overall supply chain management systems reveals insightful perspectives from respondents. A notable 20% rated their integration as a 5, indicating that a significant portion of participants acknowledges a moderate level of alignment between these critical operational elements.

Additionally, the 17% of respondents who rated the integration as an 8 highlight a growing awareness and commitment to bridging the gap between monitoring and supply chain processes. The ratings also show that a combined 22.86% of participants rated the integration at either 1 or 2, suggesting that there are challenges and potential areas for improvement within supply chain management practices. This data underlines the importance of fostering tighter integration and collaboration across these systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

What are the biggest barriers to implementing or enhancing your supply chain and operational monitoring solutions?

Cost
26%
Integration with existing systems
22%
Regulatory uncertainty
15%
Organizational resistance
13%
Technological complexity
13%
Lack of internal expertise
9%
Other (please specify)
2%

The chart highlights the most significant barriers to implementing or enhancing supply chain and operational monitoring solutions, based on a total of 54 responses. The most prevalent issue is Cost, which accounts for 26% of the responses, indicating that financial constraints are a primary concern for organizations. Following closely is Integration with existing systems at 22%, suggesting that seamless integration remains a challenge for many. Regulatory uncertainty and Organizational resistance are both identified as barriers by 15% and 13% of respondents, respectively, highlighting the complexities of navigating regulations and change management.

Additionally, Technological complexity presents a challenge for 13%, indicating that organizations may struggle with adopting new technologies. Lack of internal expertise is cited by 9%, while a small percentage (2%) noted Other barriers, emphasizing that there are varied challenges faced by organizations in this area.

How mature is your organization’s strategy for handling data in compliance with protection regulations?

We are developing a strategy (44%)
We have a clear strategy (41%)
We do not currently have a strategy (7%)
Not applicable (7%)

The chart illustrates the maturity of organizations' strategies for handling data in compliance with protection regulations. With a total of 27 responses, 44% of respondents indicated that they are developing a strategy, making it the most common response.

Meanwhile, 41% reported having a clear strategy in place. Additionally, 7% marked "We do not currently have a strategy," and another 7% indicated "Not applicable." The data highlights a strong focus on strategy development, reflecting organizations' proactive approaches to regulatory compliance.

How important is monitoring technology compared to other operational priorities?

Rating 10
4%
Rating 9
12%
Rating 8
24%
Rating 7
16%
Rating 6
32%
Rating 5
16%
Rating 4
12%
Rating 3
0%
Rating 2
4%
Rating 1
4%

The chart highlights the importance of monitoring technology within operational strategies, with 32% of respondents rating its importance as 6. This indicates that a significant number of organizations view monitoring technology as vital for enhancing visibility and efficiency in supply chain management. The high ratings of 8 and 7 (at 24% and 16%) suggest that many prioritize monitoring alongside other operational initiatives. Notably, the lack of low ratings indicates a broad consensus on its value.

However, the varied responses point to gaps in maturity regarding operational monitoring strategies. While many recognize the importance of monitoring technology, there remains a substantial opportunity for organizations to invest in and develop comprehensive strategies that effectively integrate these technologies into their operations.

What level of investment is your organization planning to make in monitoring operations in 2025?

More than $1 million (7%)
More than $150,000 (19%)
$50,000–$150,000 (26%)
$10,000–$50,000 (26%)
Less than $10,000 (7%)
No investment (15%)

The investment levels for monitoring operations in 2025 reveal a diverse range of organizational priorities. While a significant portion (26%) of respondents plan to allocate between $50,000 and $150,000, and another 26% between $10,000 and $50,000, a notable 19% anticipate investing over $150,000. The presence of higher-tier investments highlights the growing recognition of monitoring technology's role in optimizing operations.

However, the 15% planning no investment suggests that barriers such as cost or perceived value still hinder some organizations. As the importance of data-driven operations grows, these investment trends are crucial indicators of market readiness.

Which components of operational monitoring are primed for innovation in 2025?

Mobile applications
32%
AI and machine learning
24%
Reporting and visualization
22%
Automation
18%
Sensors and hardware
14%
Preventative maintenance
12%
Connectivity improvements
10%

The components of operational monitoring that are most primed for innovation in 2025 showcase a strong focus on mobile applications (32%), indicating the growing demand for real-time access and remote management capabilities. AI and machine learning (24%) and reporting and visualization (22%) closely follow, highlighting the importance of advanced analytics and clearer data presentation.

Automation (18%) and sensors and hardware (14%) reflect ongoing efforts to streamline operations and improve data accuracy. This range of focus areas suggests that organizations are keen to enhance their monitoring systems with cutting-edge technology to stay competitive.

Conclusion

The findings from this study reveal a complex landscape of operational monitoring practices characterized by both challenges and opportunities. The emphasis on operational efficiency and risk minimization highlights the critical areas where organizations are directing their monitoring efforts, with many aiming to drive greater efficiency through innovation and strategic investment. One clear takeaway is that higher levels of investment are often linked to more advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning, automation, and mobile applications. These areas are consistently identified as priorities for innovation in 2025, indicating a shift toward data-driven decision-making and real-time monitoring across industries. On the other hand, organizations with smaller investment plans are focusing more on practical improvements like preventative maintenance and reporting and visualization, reflecting an incremental approach to enhancing operations.

Despite this forward-looking outlook, significant barriers remain

Integration with existing systems, organizational resistance, and cost stand out as persistent challenges for many companies. Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial for organizations aiming to fully leverage the benefits of modern monitoring solutions. Those able to align their investments with these emerging technologies are likely to see the greatest improvements in efficiency, compliance, and scalability.

Overall, the data illustrates that companies that successfully navigate these barriers and invest strategically in innovation will be better positioned to optimize their operational monitoring efforts and meet the growing demands of their industries. As technology continues to advance, the ability to integrate monitoring solutions into broader supply chain management will be a key factor in sustaining competitive advantage.

Actionable recommendations to elevate your Operational Monitoring

To overcome the challenges identified and seize opportunities for innovation, organizations must take decisive action. The following recommendations provide a strategic roadmap for improving operational monitoring, enhancing efficiency, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape:
number-1 INVEST IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Address human error by implementing comprehensive training programs on best practices.  
number-2 ENHANCE DATA ANALYTICS CAPABILITIES Improve data analytics infrastructure for real-time monitoring and decision-making.  
number-3 LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS Develop mobile applications and integrate AI solutions to streamline processes.  
number-4 FOSTER EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance operational monitoring frameworks.  
number-5 REGULAR REVIEW AND ADAPTATION Regularly review operational strategies to adapt to emerging trends.