ProcureTech x Prewave Risk Management Masterclass

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Risk management leaders convened in London on Thursday, February 13th for an afternoon of discussions on the evolving risk landscape and the need for resilient, technology-driven strategies in order to navigate supply chain disruptions.

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Throughout the 4-hour session, the conversation underscored that while cost and cash flow remain top priorities, organisations must also address the increasing complexity of supply chain risks, including tariffs, natural disasters, and cyber threats.

Supply Chain Resilience: More Critical Than Ever  

A core theme throughout the workshop was the importance of resilience in mitigating supply chain shocks. With geopolitical tensions, regulatory shifts, and unforeseen disruptions becoming more frequent, businesses must move beyond reactive approaches and invest in proactive risk management strategies. Without deep visibility into supply chains, companies struggle to react quickly, anticipate emerging threats, and strategically adapt to new challenges.

The Value of Supply Chain Visibility

Another central focus of the discussions were the risks presented by limited visibility into multi-tier supply chains, and the hindering impact on organisation’s abilities to mitigate risks effectively. Without a clear understanding of supplier networks, businesses lack the agility to respond to disruption events, making it difficult to scenario plan for potential future risks or adjust risk strategies dynamically. The session highlighted the role of real-time monitoring tools and predictive analytics in helping organisations move from reactive firefighting to proactive, strategic risk management.

Regulatory Pressures and Compliance Challenges

Despite recent pushbacks on environmental regulations, the session highlighted that regulatory challenges will remain a major concern for organisations over the next five years. Businesses must prepare for increasing scrutiny in areas such as ESG compliance, cybersecurity, and ethical sourcing. A critical takeaway was the need for automated compliance tracking, ensuring that organisations remain ahead of regulatory shifts without being burdened by manual oversight.

Leveraging Automation and AI for Proactive Risk Management

A key solution discussed was the use of AI-driven risk alerts and automated follow-ups to reduce the administrative burden of managing supplier risks. Organisations currently spend significant time chasing suppliers for certifications, updates, and remediation plans—a process that is inefficient and prone to delays. Automating these workflows reduces this burden, ensuring faster response times and improving compliance rates.

The Control Tower Approach: A 360° View of Supply Chain Risk

Participants also emphasised the need for a centralised control tower for supply chain risk management, integrating multiple systems and data sources, providing organisations with a holistic, real-time view of their entire supply chain. Through consolidating risk data across various touchpoints, businesses can prioritise the most critical threats and focus their efforts on areas that pose the greatest risk to operational continuity.

Conclusion

The ProcureTech x Prewave Risk Management Masterclass reinforced that resilient, data-driven risk strategies are no longer optional—they are essential. As disruptions continue to escalate, organisations must move beyond traditional risk management approaches and adopt integrated, AI-powered solutions that provide visibility, automation, and predictive insights. By doing so, businesses can not only safeguard their supply chains but also transform risk management into a competitive advantage.