“ Supply chain disruption can come about through a combination of risks , as was the case with the Suez Canal blockage ”
DUNCAN BROCK GROUP DIRECTOR , CIPS
“ Many of the simple transactions in today ’ s supply chains are managed by automation ,” says Brock . Some companies are even using artificial intelligence for sourcing decisions .”
While technology can provide value to organisations , offering global and realtime visibility on suppliers and associated risks , Brock warns it ’ s important companies appreciate that nothing comes without risk .
He says : “ Technology comes with its own dangers , for example . Systems can be hacked , and vital information lost , or money stolen .
“ As the world ’ s business systems speed up , we can ’ t afford to not use digitalisation in supply chains - not just from a risk standpoint , but also to get a competitive edge on competitors .”
He adds : “ However , it ’ s essential organisations have good-quality data and supplier information , otherwise they ’ ll never fully understand the potential risks they face . procurementmag . com 67