- Inverto Risk Management Study: Supply Chain Strategies and Digitalization Gain Importance
- More and More Companies Are Developing Risk Management Programs
- Shortcomings in the Use of Digital Tools
LONDON, April 11, 2025 – The risk landscape for companies has changed significantly. Instead of individual dominant factors, businesses are now facing a variety of equally critical risks – including cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory requirements. The latest risk management study by Inverto, the Boston Consulting Group subsidiary specializing in procurement and supply chain management, highlights a growing trend: companies are increasingly operating in a complex poly-risk environment that demands a realignment of their risk management approach.
Whereas in the past, individual issues such as energy prices or supply bottlenecks shaped risk management, companies today are confronted with a wide range of equally weighted challenges. Price volatility, geopolitical tensions, regulatory requirements, and quality standards are considered just as important as economic uncertainty and recession risks. More than half of the surveyed companies also cite rising procurement costs, increased financial risks, and economic volatility as major stressors.
Against this backdrop, more than 50 percent of the companies surveyed plan to fundamentally restructure their supply chains over the next five years. Key strategies include regionalization and supplier base consolidation to reduce dependencies and increase supply security. At the same time, traditional measures such as dual sourcing or building up additional inventories are losing importance – partly due to rising financing costs and a stronger focus on liquidity.
Structured Risk Management Gains Ground – Digitalization Still Lags
The study shows significant progress in the structural anchoring of risk management: 76 percent of companies now analyze risks systematically (up from 56 percent in 2022), and 82 percent define concrete countermeasures (up from 76 percent in 2022). Many companies have established cross-functional risk committees that include procurement, finance, compliance, and other departments.
However, the use of digital tools remains limited. Only 45 percent of respondents report having implemented an AI-powered early warning system for risk detection. Another 42 percent use artificial intelligence to some extent. As a result, a large portion of the potential for proactive risk management remains untapped. AI-driven early warning systems, data-based analytics, and automated monitoring provide transparency and help identify disruptions early, enabling timely countermeasures.
Beyond the limited use of AI, the study also reveals fundamental shortcomings in data availability and analytical maturity. Only 34 percent of surveyed companies make use of fully integrated real-time data – a critical prerequisite for effective risk management. Moreover, just 22 percent actively use predictive analytics, despite 74 percent acknowledging their importance.
The study reveals significant regional differences. Companies in the Spain lead the way, with the highest adoption rates of digital tools. The UK and France also shows a strong level of implementation, while Italy falls in the mid-range. In contrast, companies in Germany report the lowest usage rates of digital and AI tools. Companies lagging behind should invest now, otherwise they risk to lose competitiveness.
Recommendations: From Reactive to Proactive Risk Management
Due to a lack of transparency, many companies only react once a disruption has occurred and caused costs. Sebastian Wellmann, Associate Director at Inverto and lead for the study, warns: “Without targeted investments in digital analytics and real-time data, companies identify many risks too late.”
Digital technologies such as AI-based analytics and automated early warning systems should be more deeply integrated into risk management practices. At the same time, risk awareness should become part of the corporate culture and be anchored across the organization – for example, through so-called Risk Control Towers or cross-functional governance processes. “The goal must be a proactive, strategic risk management approach that not only detects risks early but actively manages them,” says Sebastian Wellmann.
Study Design
Inverto surveyed 260 companies from across Europe and the United Kingdom for the study. Respondents came from a range of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, logistics, construction, and medical technology. Over 40 percent of the companies surveyed have annual revenues exceeding 100 million euros. The data was collected in October and November 2024.
About Inverto
Inverto is a leading global consultancy specializing in strategic procurement and supply chain management. The consultancy goes beyond pure cost management to deliver business value and a competitive edge for its clients. Inverto transforms procurement and supply chain functions, enabling long-term success by fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability.
Operating under the umbrella of BCG, Inverto expands BCGs extensive offerings with a comprehensive array of procurement optimization solutions. Inverto currently employs more than 600 experts across three continents. Clients are globally renowned brands from all industries, as well as the world’s leading private equity firms.
For more information, please visit https://www.inverto.com/en/
