In today’s hyperconnected world, supply chains aren’t just fragile — they’re constantly under siege. Whether it's a ship stuck in the Suez Canal, a surprise strike at a port, or a freak weather event, the result is the same: delays, shortages, and budget blowouts.
Big companies are throwing everything at the problem — inventory buffers, dual sourcing, re-shoring — but here’s the hard truth: fewer than a third of leaders feel ready for disruption. That’s where an early-warning system (EWS) comes in. Think of it as a supply chain’s smoke detector — it won’t stop the fire, but it gives you time to act before the house burns down.
The Power of a Smart Signal
One of the most exciting innovations I’ve seen come out of our innovation team didn’t come from ourboardroom — it came from our Chief Innovations Officer at b2wise , Martin Sewell , being stuck in traffic. He began to wonder if Google Maps could warn him about congestion and plot the best route, why couldn’t a similar system flag supply risks? That simple idea led to the development of our most popular AI agent, which scans regional news feeds, links incidents (such as floods, strikes, or road closures) to supplier locations, and pushes alerts to planners. Suddenly, your morning doesn’t start with chaos — it starts with clarity.
AI Levels the Playing Field
This kind of tool, powered by artificial intelligence and smart integration, means even small companies can get an early warning, bird’s-eye view of their risk exposure. You don’t need a massive IT team. All you need a list of your supplier names. When your planner logs in and sees, “Supplier X may be affected by a strike in Region Y,” they’re not reacting — they’re responding. That’s the difference resilience makes.
Acting Early Is a Strategic Advantage
Most EWS systems fail not because they don’t spot risks, They fail because no one knows what to do next. That’s why building a clear playbook matters. Who checks the alert? What’s the first step? How do we confirm the risk? Can we reroute? Find a new source? Every answer shortens your response time, and now you are not just a reactive supply chain, but a proactive one.
The Bottom Line
You can’t predict the next disruption, but you can prepare for it. Whether you’re a global player or a nimble SME, investing in an early-warning system is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. And with AI, the tools are finally within reach, even for the millions of SMEs in the market today, at extremely affordable prices.
Got to love how AI is levelling the playing field!
Think flow,
Kevin Boake
