Resilient Supply Chains How Process Mining Strengthens European Supply Chains

By Constantin Wehmschulte* | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Geopolitical tensions, global dependencies, volatile markets—the list of disruptions to supply chains keeps growing. Resilient supply chains are needed. Process Mining supports this.

Supply chains in crisis: Process Mining promotes resilient supply chain management.(Image: Markus Kammermann /  Pixabay)
Supply chains in crisis: Process Mining promotes resilient supply chain management.
(Image: Markus Kammermann / Pixabay)

Especially in Europe, the issue of strategic independence is coming more into focus. However, while much is said about sovereignty at the political level, operational implementation in companies often remains unclear.

The prerequisite for true resilience and independence is clarity about processes, dependencies, and risks along the entire supply chain. This is exactly where Process Mining comes into play.

From the Black Box to Real-Time Control

Companies without data-driven insights risk overlooking operational connections. In many businesses, supply chains have evolved historically, are systemically fragmented, and often turn out to be a black box—with media disruptions, inefficiencies, and a lack of transparency. However, those who do not know how their processes actually function—and, more importantly, where they falter—cannot build independent, sustainable structures.

Process mining bridges this gap: From the digital traces in IT systems—the so-called event logs—an objective, cross-system representation of real processes is created. Based on this reliable data foundation, processes can not only be traced but also analyzed and evaluated. The result is a digital early warning system that makes inefficiencies, bottlenecks, repeated loops, or critical dependencies visible and quantifiable.

Companies not only identify where processes are operationally flawed but also where they are strategically vulnerable. This creates a crucial shift in perspective, from reactive crisis management to active process control. But it doesn't stop with this visibility:

Process Intelligence: Not Just Process Capturing, But Real-Time Process Control

Process Mining lays the foundation—the next development stage is called Process Intelligence. In an integrated ecosystem of Business Intelligence, automation, and artificial intelligence, it is no longer just about analysis but about active process control in real-time. Processes are not only accurately captured but continuously improved.

For example, error sources such as incorrectly set credit blocks or faulty product reservations can be eliminated through rule-based automation. Duplicate payments and cash discount losses can also be systematically avoided.

The result: better planning, higher adherence to schedules, lower process costs—and more operational independence. Companies can respond more quickly to market changes and remain capable of action.

Process Intelligence creates the foundation for adaptive workflows, automated decisions, and proactive risk management while providing the contextualized data framework that AI applications need to make informed decisions.

Clarity Instead of Crisis Mode: Processes As the Foundation of Corporate Sovereignty

Those who take resilience seriously need a deep understanding of their own supply and value chains, including all their dependencies, risks, and leeway. Only with reliable and up-to-date data can well-informed decisions be made, such as diversifying supplier relationships, developing alternative procurement strategies, or establishing robust escalation paths.

Process Intelligence provides the foundation for this. It makes strategic independence not only visible but also manageable—as a continuous capability and not just in times of crisis.

For sovereignty arises in everyday life through transparency, clarity, and the ability to systematically develop processes further. Making operational workflows a control factor not only increases efficiency but also enhances flexibility, thereby strengthening resilience and future viability. (mk)

*Constantin Wehmschulte is CEO & Managing Director of Mehrwerk GmbH.

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