The U.S. Department of Commerce has unveiled a new tool named “Scale,” aimed at revolutionizing the way supply chain risks are analyzed and managed. Announced on September 10, 2024, the tool was introduced during a supply chain summit co-hosted by the department and the Council on Foreign Relations. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo described Scale as “massively comprehensive” and praised its extensive capabilities in assessing various risk factors. The tool is designed to provide in-depth diagnostic analysis of supply chains by evaluating over 40 indicators across geopolitical, logistical, and technological categories.
Scale’s primary focus is on identifying structural and systemic risks rather than tracking real-time disruptions. According to Grant Harris, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, the tool will address long-standing challenges in federal oversight of supply chain security. The aim is to improve the federal government’s ability to manage and mitigate risks, addressing concerns that agencies have historically struggled with due to insufficient visibility into supply chains.
In addition to its analysis of supply chain risks, Scale has already been used to evaluate the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers. This marks a significant step towards enhancing the government’s approach to safeguarding critical industries against potential disruptions. The tool is part of the Commerce Department’s broader initiative to bolster supply chain resilience and stability through the newly established Supply Chain Center.
Despite its advancements, Scale will not feature a publicly accessible database or platform due to national security concerns. The Commerce Department plans to release some of the tool’s findings in the coming weeks and months, providing insights into its impact and utility. The department has mobilized a team of industry experts and economists to support Scale’s implementation and ongoing risk assessment efforts.
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