Supply Chain Asset Movement Slows Across Industry
Sensolus' Supply Chain Velocity Index shows about one in three tracked industrial assets sat idle in a typical month over the past year.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Sensolus' Supply Chain Velocity Index found that about one in three tracked industrial assets in aerospace, automotive and equipment manufacturing did not move in a typical month over the past year. Velocity fell to 64.8% from 69.7% a year earlier, and more packaging sat idle.
Why it matters
The index tracks the physical movement of returnable racks, parts and packaging, so slower movement signals reduced throughput in manufacturing supply chains across regions. The decline is concentrated in Europe, while U.S. velocity held steady.
Average asset movement across both regions rose slightly to 10.6 hours a month from 10.4 a year earlier, while velocity fell to 64.8% from 69.7%. Europe's velocity dropped from 69.8% to 64.6% and movement fell to 7.5 hours a month from 9.9 in July, while U.S. velocity held at 69.4% and movement rose to 12.8 hours a month.
The details
Assets are recorded as moving when parts move and sleeping when they do not. More packaging sat idle compared with a year earlier, and a summer slowdown in European asset movement also appeared in August 2025.
Timeline
Over the past year, about one in three tracked assets sat idle in a typical month.
In July, European asset movement reached 9.9 hours while U.S. movement was 12.6 hours.
In August 2025, a summer slowdown in European asset movement appeared.
Industry Dynamics
The Sensolus Supply Chain Velocity Index tracks physical movement of returnable racks, parts and packaging, and its latest readings show velocity down to 64.8% from 69.7% a year earlier. The regional split, with Europe declining while U.S. velocity held, marks a divergence between the two manufacturing markets.
Slower asset movement can extend delivery timelines and raise costs for manufacturers and the buyers who depend on their parts and packaging. Companies managing returnable racks and packaging may face higher idle-inventory costs as velocity declines.
The takeaway
Monitoring asset movement alongside production output can help manufacturers spot supply chain slowdowns before they affect deliveries. Tracking idle packaging and returnable racks gives an early signal of changing throughput.
Further reading
Track broader shifts in Manufacturing to see how supply chain movement connects to production trends.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supply and Demand Chain Executive.
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