Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
In the new normal, global supply chains face unprecedented challenges, from geopolitical disruptions and logistical setbacks to compliance complexities and sustainability pressures. Companies across industries have been compelled to reassess and strengthen their supply chain strategies to remain resilient and competitive. Semantic Visions, led by Managing Director Jan Balatka, has emerged as a key innovator in this evolving landscape, harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in supply chain to transform risk intelligence and management.
Semantic Visions specializes in advanced solutions for global supply chain discovery and risk assessment. Balatka underscores the immense volume of data modern supply chains generate, noting that its varying levels of relevance and significance often create significant hurdles in effective analysis and decision-making. “AI is best suited for analyzing vast amounts of data,” Balatka explains, emphasizing AI’s ability to quickly classify, contextualize, and interpret information, significantly streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The concept of resilience within supply chains has significantly evolved, especially following recent global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. According to Balatka, companies now recognize the limitations of focusing solely on direct (Tier 1) suppliers. Instead, they have broadened their scope to include deeper layers of their supply chain network, encompassing multiple tiers. Each level of the supply chain presents distinct risks: availability concerns are particularly critical within raw materials supply chains, whereas cybersecurity vulnerabilities dominate conversations regarding IT-related supply chains.
Balatka sees data analytics as a cornerstone for enhancing supply chain visibility and agility. He highlights how geopolitical developments—ranging from tariffs, wars, and terrorism threats to sanctions—as well as logistical disruptions such as port strikes or piracy, increasingly impact global supply chains. Consequently, the demand for advanced analytics and proactive risk management has surged. He notes the accelerating innovation pace in AI algorithms and highlights groundbreaking methodologies, such as combining Knowledge Graphs with Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), which significantly enhance the ability to map, query, and manage complex global supply chain networks comprehensively and effectively.
Despite these advancements, Balatka acknowledges that digital transformation initiatives in global supply chains face substantial barriers. “Different regulations across regions, challenging integrations between disparate IT systems, and a general lack of high-quality, relevant, and current data pose significant implementation challenges,” he states. Nonetheless, Semantic Visions has demonstrated remarkable success by assisting clients in overcoming these obstacles. For instance, the company developed an AI-driven system for a client capable of real-time supply chain mapping, multi-tiered risk detection, and robust compliance verification against global sanction lists and various national business registries. This innovative solution empowers clients to holistically manage supply chain risks, prioritize critical issues effectively, and streamline their risk mitigation strategies across compliance, legal, supplier management, and procurement teams.
The increasing global shift towards sustainability is also redefining supply chain strategies. Balatka identifies technological innovation as pivotal in achieving environmental and ethical goals. Companies leverage advanced technology to ensure responsible sourcing, optimize energy consumption in their operations, and refine compliance and Know Your Client (KYC) processes, thereby aligning their supply chains with broader sustainability commitments and expectations.
Looking ahead, Balatka foresees continued evolution in global supply chain practices, shaped significantly by changing consumer priorities. Consumers are increasingly mindful of sustainability and social responsibility, often prioritizing these values over traditional considerations such as price and performance alone. “Consumers now connect products with sustainability or political beliefs, necessitating adjustments to corporate supply chain strategies,” Balatka explains. Companies that proactively adapt and respond to these evolving preferences will be better positioned to thrive in the market.
Balatka’s overarching message underscores the critical role automation and strategic deployment of AI play in enhancing supply chain visibility and efficiency. He strongly advocates embracing technological innovations proactively, highlighting their potential not only to help organizations withstand disruptions but to capitalize on opportunities presented by the complexities and uncertainties of today’s global market. Through pioneering solutions like those offered by Semantic Visions, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of global supply chain management in the new normal.
