The numbers don’t lie: While 70% of executives entered peak season confident in their fulfillment systems, only 42% achieved successful system performance when it mattered most. This 28-point gap between expectation and reality is more than a peak season statistic—it’s a wake-up call for supply chain leaders.
The confidence-reality gap: what our data reveals
System performance reality check
Our 2025 post-peak survey with Industry Dive revealed critical misalignments across organizations. As one supply chain director put it: “We entered peak thinking our systems could handle anything. By week two, we were already in crisis mode.”
Brand-new findings tell the story:
- 93% of supply chain leaders expected to meet customer expectations
- 58% struggled with delivery timing and order accuracy
- 65% faced significant staffing challenges despite pre-season planning
- 47% reported their systems couldn’t handle unexpected volume spikes
One warehouse manager noted, “Our technology looked great on paper, but when we hit peak volumes, the cracks started showing. Simple tasks became bottlenecks.”
The hidden costs of just getting by
These gaps aren’t just numbers—they’re showing up as:
- Spiraling overtime costs that Finance can’t justify
- Shipping expenses breaking budgets
- Mounting chargebacks, overselling, and missed delivery times
- Customer churn from failed expectations
- Legacy WMS and supply chain systems pushed to their breaking point
Learn how leading companies are achieving 99.9% inventory accuracy while handling record volumes. Read the peak season trends and take action early.
From crisis to control: now you can
First, address the technology gap
🛑 The Reality Check: “During peak, we had inventory in three different facilities, but our systems couldn’t talk to each other. We were basically running blind.” – Distribution Center Manager
Our research shows this isn’t an isolated case; disconnected systems are creating massive blind spots in supply chain operations.
✅ What If You Could Fix That? Just ask Altitude Sports: “We went from managing multiple disconnected systems to having complete visibility across our network. Now we can see and solve problems before they impact customers.”
Next, rethink labor management
🛑 The Reality Check: “Training seasonal workers used to take weeks, and by the time they were ready, peak was almost over.” – Warehouse Operations Director
If this sounds familiar, you’re among the 65% of companies whose traditional labor approaches fell short during peak.
✅ What If You Could Fix That? One midmarket retailer transformed their operation: “With system-directed work and intuitive mobile interfaces, we cut training time by 75%. New hires were productive on day one.”
Top performers like Gordon Companies have shifted from manual order processing and late-night shifts to establishing consistent processes across five warehouses, resulting in:
- 30-minute onboarding for seasonal hires, a 92% reduction from previously
- Four-day reduction in shipping times
- Their easiest holiday season ever
Finally, close the customer experience gap
🛑 The Reality Check: “We lost longtime customers because we couldn’t deliver on our promises. Our systems simply couldn’t keep up with order volumes.” – Ecommerce Director
With 58% of companies struggling to meet delivery promises, the cost of poor system performance goes straight to the bottom line.
✅ What If You Could Fix That? Fashion retailer and longtime customer of Deposco’s retail fulfillment solutions, Feature shows what’s possible: “Last peak, we achieved 99.8% order accuracy and cut delivery times in half. Our customer satisfaction scores hit an all-time high.”
Others echo this sentiment. Everyone wins when you can deliver a better customer experience without increased headcount or chase execution problems:
“Last peak season, we were drowning in manual processes. This year, we processed 40% more orders with the same staff.” – Operations Director, Major Retailer
“The real game-changer was having real-time visibility across all our facilities. We could actually predict and prevent issues before they impacted customers.” – Supply Chain VP, Multi-Channel Brand
If not, are you ready to face the truth and do something about it? Talk with us to get the exact strategies that are helping companies achieve these results.
The path forward: building for Peak 2025
Don’t let another year go by saying “we’ll get to it eventually.” The true cost of “just getting by” with ERPs and outdated WMS systems is accelerating. The time to start planning for peak 2025 isn’t summer—it’s now.
Would’ve, should’ve, CAN!
Companies that successfully navigated peak season 2024 achieved remarkable results through our modern supply chain platform including:
- 98%+ on-time delivery rates
- 99.8% order accuracy rates (compared to industry average of 94%)
- 32% reduction in labor costs through improved workforce optimization
- 77% reduction in total fulfillment costs
- 45%+ faster order fulfillment times
- 28% increase in inventory turns
- Zero system outages during peak
These customer success metrics prove that closing the gap between expectations and reality isn’t just possible—it’s achievable with the right technology partner.
Why wait? Stop putting up with seasonal crises. Start handling record volumes without breaking a sweat. It starts with Deposco!