More External Risks: Supply Chain Risk Management is Becoming More Important

The results of the 20th Hermes Barometer show that digital risks are significantly increasing: More than two-thirds of the surveyed companies (76 percent) recognize cyberattacks and computer viruses as growing dangers to their supply chains. This perception is particularly pronounced among larger companies with 250 to 1000 employees, of which 88 percent report an increase in such threats. This development illustrates the urgency of implementing advanced security measures and continuously strengthening the digital infrastructure.

Given that more than half of the companies (60 percent) expect a tightening of the risk environment, it is clear that proactive measures are essential to ensure the integrity and stability of supply chains. Therefore, integrating cybersecurity strategies into risk management is not only a necessity but an investment in the future security of companies.

In addition to digital risks, geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity also affect supply chains. About 54 percent of companies with 250 to 1000 employees report that such external risk factors have already led to production losses or supply shortages. These threats require flexible and robust risk management strategies that include not only reactive but also preventive measures. The 20th Hermes Barometer shows that many companies are already using effective tools such as supplier evaluations (81 percent) and compliance monitoring (63 percent) to identify and manage potential risks early.

In particular, monitoring and analyzing supply chain processes through advanced technologies play a central role in protecting the supply chain from unforeseen events and ensuring supply security. Through precise data analysis, transparency across the entire value chain is improved, enabling proactive risk identification and minimizing potential disruptions. This data-driven approach provides deeper insights into operational risks and supports the development of tailored coping strategies based on real conditions rather than solely on theoretical models.

For more information and the detailed evaluation of the survey, please refer to our 20th Hermes Barometer “Risk Management in the Supply Chain,” available here for free download.