As headlines around the world underscore, we are in the midst of a global trade war. While this isn’t a conventional conflict, its impacts are very real and far-reaching. Whether you’re importing, exporting, or simply consuming products made with global materials—your business and your household are on the front lines. 

Every leader today—executive, planner, analyst—is being called into non-stop meetings, expected to deliver insights and action plans in record time. Earlier this month, we saw one U.S.-based tech company accelerate product shipments ahead of anticipated tariffs. Days later, the U.S. government announced a 90-day tariff waiver on select electronics, including this company's goods. While short-term moves like these might buy time, they don’t offer long-term stability in a volatile economy. Manual planning alone can’t keep up. 

Across industries and regions, companies are scrambling to adapt. Some have already turned to supply chain orchestration and scenario planning tools—but many have yet to take that critical step. 

Tariffs are nothing new, but the current intensity  stands to create some of the biggest upheaval in supply chains since the pandemic. Companies that make use of technologies like digital twins to model complex what-if scenarios have responded to change with confidence, precision, and speed, even during recent major disruptions, like natural disasters, geopolitical upheavals, and the global pandemic. 

Confidently lead through disruption

For the people driving these efforts, this is more than a chance to shine—it’s a moment to lead. Armed with real-time data and decision intelligence, they are helping their organizations stay resilient and competitive. And while the past few months have left many feeling uncertain, we’re here to say: there is a way forward. With the right platform and support, not only is stability possible- profit is too. 

Scenario planning has long been the backbone of military strategy. Today, that same discipline is being applied by businesses, nonprofits, schools, and governments alike. The lesson is clear: those who prepare with precision are best positioned to act with confidence. 

Your organization can do the same. No matter your size, industry, or current digital maturity, you can ramp up quickly and equip your teams to make smart, strategic moves. The key lies in collaboration, alignment, and visibility. 

At Kinaxis, we’re proud to offer Maestro—our powerful, AI-driven orchestration platform that enables enterprises to model and respond to any number of potential scenarios. Maestro empowers you to proactively manage your supply chain operations from planning to execution, helping you stay ahead of risk and disruption. 

Here’s how Maestro supports decision-makers: 

• Transparency – Access a single, real-time version of the truth to instantly understand cause and effect. 
• Velocity – Detect issues quickly, simulate responses in real time, and course-correct without delay. 
• Collaboration – Break down silos and align partners across your supply chain—beyond your own four walls. 
• Adaptability – Stay flexible as market conditions and customer expectations evolve. 
• Decision Intelligence – Leverage AI/ML, optimization, and heuristics to make confident, data-driven decisions. 

With Maestro, you can plan across any time horizon—minute by minute or years into the future—and run unlimited scenario models in a single, integrated platform. Your digital twin can reflect your complete bill of materials, no matter how deep or complex. 

This platform is already trusted by leaders in aerospace and defense, automotive, consumer packaged goods, life sciences, and more. Whether you’re navigating today’s trade challenges or preparing for tomorrow’s disruptions, Kinaxis is here to help you turn uncertainty into opportunity. 

We are in conflict—but you are not alone. Whether your organization is just beginning its digital transformation or you’re looking to scale your planning capabilities, Kinaxis can help you build the agility, resilience, and foresight to not only survive disruption—but thrive through it. 

Let’s prepare for the future—together. 
 

Authors

Salman Adil, serves as a Senior Industry Principal with Kinaxis.  Salman brings extensive supply chain and business transformation leadership experience. Salman has served in operations, supply chain, consulting, and technology roles. 

Abigail Pfeiffer is a Business Development Representative with Kinaxis. Abigail works with industry leaders to identify supply chain transformation opportunities and determine how enterprises can successfully build capabilities to win in all market conditions.