A concerning dichotomy appears to be developing in the supply chain industry. According to a survey conducted by PwC, while the vast majority of businesses recognize the urgent need to reduce supply chain risk, only a startling minority appear to be investing in risk mitigation.
Disclosure of the Risk Perception Gap
As supply chains become increasingly complex and interdependent, the inherent propensity for risks increases. Recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the obstruction of the Suez Canal, have highlighted the significance of mitigating supply chain risks.
Despite this, PwC’s survey exposes a startling fact: while the majority of businesses recognize the need for risk reduction, few are taking concrete investment steps.
The Extreme Contrast Between Acknowledgement and Action
72% of respondents to the PwC survey acknowledged that their supply chains bear high or very high levels of risk. However, only 39% of these businesses intend to increase their risk management investment over the next two years.
This disparity between recognizing risk and investing in risk reduction reveals a significant divide between organizations’ risk perception and risk management actions.
Obstacles to Investing in Risk Mitigation
While the survey does not delve thoroughly into the causes of this disparity, it does offer a few possible explanations. Inadequate understanding of the financial repercussions of supply chain disruptions, lack of C-suite involvement in supply chain issues, and the complexity of risk management in increasingly interconnected and global supply chains are examples of such challenges.
Urgent Requirement for Proactive Risk Management
The results of the PwC survey should serve as a wake-up call for enterprises worldwide. Due to the increasing complexities and interdependencies of contemporary supply chains, proactive risk management is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.
To genuinely protect their supply chains from potential disruptions, businesses must do more than acknowledge risks. They must actively invest in robust strategies and solutions for risk management.
Concluding Remarks: Bridging the Gap
The chasm between recognizing supply chain risk and investing in its mitigation must be bridged as soon as possible. Given the increasing complexity of contemporary supply chains, it is essential for businesses to not only identify hazards but also take proactive measures to mitigate them. This includes making the necessary investments in risk management for the supply chain.
What do you believe is the greatest hindrance to supply chain risk reduction investment? How can businesses bridge the divide between risk perception and risk management? We encourage you to contribute your thoughts and observations in the section below.
