A supply chain resiliency platform is being developed in Canada to analyse, predict and alert manufacturers intelligently of potential disruptions and recommend preventative measures.

ThinkData Works and Palantir Technologies have partnered with Martinrea to develop an industry-wide platform for supply chain resiliency that will help manufacturers predict, prevent and mitigate disruptions.

Next Generation Manufacturing (NGen), the industry-led organisation behind Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, has announced $8m in collaborative funding for the project led by Canadian technology company ThinkData, in partnership with Palantir and auto parts firm Martinrea.

The current global supply chain crisis will continue to impact commerce negatively in 2022 and beyond, increasing the need to safeguard manufacturers against risks and disruptions.

Through a combination of ThinkData’s external data management software and Palantir’s AI and analytics capabilities, the platform is being developed to analyse, predict and alert manufacturers of potential disruptions, as well as recommend preventative measures.

Martinrea will be first to adopt the platform that models complex supply chains, layers on global supply chain events data, and flows in alternative supplier catalogues. The platform provides a central view with predictive analytics, real-time alerts and recommended actions.

“Powerful AI fuelled by external data gives manufacturers a competitive edge, and the ability to avoid potential supply chain disruptions before they occur,” said Bryan Smith, CEO of ThinkData. “It’s a game-changer for the industry”

David MacNaughton, president of Palantir in Canada, added: “We are excited to be part of this initiative with Martinrea and ThinkData Works. Palantir has helped some of the world’s most complex organisations transform their supply chain operations, with positive industry impacts.”

Martinrea estimates that outcomes will include more than $40m in annual value from avoided disruptions and optimisations.

“We are very excited to develop this platform in collaboration with ThinkData and Palantir Canada, and to solve concrete problems through digital innovation,” said Megan Hunter, executive vice president at Martinrea.

The platform is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs and provide a competitive advantage for Canadian and international manufacturers as well as local suppliers.

ThinkData Works is a Canadian technology start-up based in Toronto, Ontario. It enables enterprises to discover, govern and monetise the data that power their business.

NGen is a not-for-profit organisation that leads Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. Its mandate is to help build world-leading manufacturing capabilities in Canada for the benefit of Canadians.

Martinrea develops and produces metal parts, assemblies and modules, fluid management systems, and aluminium products for the automotive sector.

Palantir Technologies is a software company that builds enterprise data operating systems for use by organisations with complex and sensitive data environments.