Main risk driver: disruptions due to supply chain complexity

On average, each company suffers ten disruptions, 3% of which are considered to be existential threats. Direct suppliers (33%) are largely responsible for the disruptions that threaten the existence of the company. When looking at all disruptions overall, direct suppliers also lead the ranking with 14.4% of mentions, closely followed by logistics service providers with 13.6%. The high number of disruptions and susceptibility to disruptions from external partners again demonstrates the relevance of logistics outsourcing as part of holistic supply chain risk management.

Although external partners (direct suppliers / logistics service providers) are seen as having the highest risks and disruptions, only around a third of respondents have defined a cross-company supply chain risk management process. However, it is positive that around a third of respondents regularly exchange information with their supply chain partners, and almost two out of five companies do so at least at irregular intervals.

Various factors are cited in the study as reasons for the lack of cooperation between supply chain partners in risk management. These range from insufficient availability of resources to a lack of transparency, a lack of technological requirements and a lack of expertise in the implementation of initiatives. It is interesting to note that, contrary to expectations, low acceptance and a lack of mutual trust tend to be cited as secondary reasons for the lack of cooperation. The provision of resources and the structural alignment of processes are crucial to efficiently countering supply chain risks.

The importance of supply chain risk management will increase in the future

The participants clearly stated that the importance of supply chain risk management will increase in the future in general (90%) and in their own company (94%). Holistic supply chain risk management can make an important contribution to economic success and risk minimization in all areas of the company and enable faster, more efficient solutions to be found in the event of disruptions.

The greatest implementation deficits are seen by the participants in the study in subcontractors (67%). The reason for this is likely to be the lack of accessibility, as there is no direct contact and no direct contractual relationship. The main risk driver today and in five years' time is the increasing supply chain complexity due to globalization and the associated reduction in vertical integration. A significant increase in risk is expected with regard to cybercrime and outsourcing. The study participants see an increased risk in terms of social, political and economic influences.

Dr. Bernd Müller-Dauppert, Member of the Management Board, Miebach Consulting, says: "In our project experience, the biggest challenges in supply chain risk management are the strong anchoring in the organizational structure, the timely and sufficient provision of resources and the holistic view of the supply chain with increasing complexity. In addition, comprehensive, standardized IT solutions are required for efficient supply chain risk management, but these are only partially covered to date." The complete study can be requested from Ralf Hoffmann([email protected]).