UPS has released its sixth annual report on supply chains, suggesting a number of changes and trends in the sector.

It believes health executives will invest more in logistics and delivery companies and help support new technologies, as they aim to meet a growing demand.

Since the survey started in 2008, this year is the first time security was seen as a bigger concern than a second supply chain - 53 per cent of respondents said it was a top issue. This was followed by better counterfeit goods (48 per cent) and lack of visibility within supply chains (40 per cent).

Director of global strategy and UPS healthcare logistics Robin Hooker said: "Globally we are seeing consistency in the top supply chain points year over year, and we anticipate continued elevation in concern levels over regulatory compliance and product protection as supply chains grow in complexity and length."

In the next five years, it predicts 59 per cent of healthcare executives will increase their reliance on third party logistics providers.