Supply Chain World Volume 12 Issue 1 | Page 19

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comes to DEI . This includes implementing targeted recruitment programs , cultivating mentorship initiatives , and creating clear pathways to leadership . Our approach at Icertis is to focus not just on DEI metrics , but on creating meaningful opportunities for every employee to shine . This approach allows us to develop a deeper and more engaged talent pool , enhancing competitiveness by fostering diversity across our workforce .
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing global supply chains in 2025 , and how do you think technology and digitization can help to address these issues ? In today ’ s world , supply chain disruptions have become a looming threat ; the only constant is change itself . It ’ s no longer a question of if , but rather when an unanticipated delay or upheaval will happen . Coupled with new global trade policies and regulations , there is no shortage of challenges for supply chains in 2025 .
Critical business functions like procurement , finance , and legal will benefit from embracing new technologies , like AIdriven contracting , to optimize supplier relationships in today ’ s macro-economic landscape . By adopting the right AI tools and forward-thinking approaches , organizations can avoid the financial strain that often accompanies shifts in supplier relationships .
For instance , by harnessing the power of AI , businesses can effectively mitigate potential revenue losses and implement precautionary measures such as price adjustment clauses in response to economic triggers like inflation or tariffs . In an everchanging world , actionable data like identifying trusted suppliers in alternative jurisdictions and quickly entering into a contract with them to make your supply chain more resilient is critical . AI-powered contracting is an indispensable part of modern supply chain management , equipping businesses with the agility to not only address immediate challenges but also build greater resilience for future uncertainties .
How will the incoming US administration impact global trade regulations , and what impact will this have on localized versus globalized supply chains ? Decisions made by the new US administration will drive supply chains to become more agile and localized as companies respond to potential tariffs , new trade agreements , or regulatory changes in 2025 . This shift away from globalization will likely require legal departments to negotiate and restructure innumerable contracts across jurisdictions . New contractual relationships will also require language and structure to provide a level of flexibility unseen before , enabling businesses to traverse and navigate this complexity . AI will be critical to do this at speed and scale .
As legal departments and contracting professionals become inundated with rethinking the terms of their enterprise ’ s supplier and customer relationships , AI will play a pivotal role in ensuring that commercial outcomes around revenue , savings , and risk are not compromised .
How can flexible contracts help companies build resilience ? Modern supply chains consist of hundreds of suppliers across a range of geographies , making it increasingly difficult to gain end-toend visibility . Achieving transparency requires contract intelligence so businesses can pinpoint potential gaps to inform new supplier relationships , while also capturing insights into supplier performance , financial risk , and adherence to compliance standards .
Flexibility in contracting , enabled by contract intelligence platforms like Icertis , also helps global organizations adapt to changing conditions like economic disruptions , regulatory shifts , or unexpected resource
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