Managing sanctions and supply chain risk: What businesses need to know

Automation is everywhere, with fast-accelerating technological breakthroughs bringing improvements to our homes, our travel, our built environments and, crucially, our workplaces, at a dizzying rate.

There was a time when a remote controlled colour TV and a plumbed-in washing machine was the ultimate home entertainment and labour-saving combination. Now, in all areas of our lives, constant evolution and refinement are transforming how we do things at home and at work.

We’ve taken a look at automated processes in five key global industries for a definitive list of the most innovative, unexpected and eye-catching technologies powering tomorrow’s world.

Making a meal of it

As so many food preparation tasks are highly repetitive, it’s no surprise that the food and drink industry was an early adopter of automation.

Labour shortages and maintaining competitive advantage during the pandemic have redoubled the need for smart digital processes. Recently, Pazzi, a Parisian pizzeria, became the world’s first restaurant to be staffed entirely by robots – from order-taking to prepping the dough to boxing the meals.

Grabbing a slice of the automated action has proved highly popular with the venue’s customers, who enjoy the performance as much as the food. Surveys also show that most consumers are happy to have their food cooked by robot chefs, as these are seen as more hygienic than human hands.

Meanwhile, WineCab, an automated wine cellar/sommelier is making a splash with serious oenophiles – storing, protecting, showcasing and retrieving bottles from their prized collections. Combining the latest AI technology with high grade materials, it features a temperature and humidity-controlled environment, facial security settings and a high-speed robotic arm.

How we can help

So what practical measures can be put in place to help protect the business?

We have a team of specialists ready to help you navigate the complexities of trading internationally, including managing your sanctions and supply chain risk. Please contact one of the team below if you have any queries arising from this briefing, or need advice or assistance on any aspects of compliance, training, contract drafting or available termination or related options. Read about our supply chain contracts health check services.

[1] See our earlier briefing for more about force majeure and frustration.