Towards knowledge graph reasoning for supply chain risk management using graph neural networks

Abstract

Modern supply chains are complex, interconnected systems that contain emergent, invisible dependencies. Lack of visibility often hinders effective risk planning and results in delayed discovery of supply chain problems, with examples ranging from product contamination, unsustainable production practices, or exposure to suppliers clustered in geographical areas prone to natural or man-made disasters. Initiatives that rely on manual collection of data often fail due to supply chain complexity and unwillingness of suppliers to share data. In this paper, we propose a neurosymbolic machine learning technique to proactively uncover hidden risks in supply chains and discover new information. Our method uses a combination of graph neural networks and knowledge graph reasoning. Unlike existing research our model is able to infer multiple types of hidden relationship risks, presenting a step change in automated supply chain surveillance. The approach has been tested on two empirical datasets from the automotive and energy industries, illustrating that it can provide inference in multiple types of links such as companies, products, production capabilities, certifications; thereby facilitating complex queries that go beyond who-supplies-whom. As such, additional risk insights can emerge from graph structure, providing practitioners with new knowledge.