Washington, D.C., from February 11-12, 2025. These advancements will enhance Descartes’ global trade intelligence software suite, helping businesses navigate the increasingly complex world of cross-border trade. With challenges like stricter compliance requirements, geopolitical changes, and fluctuating tariffs, these innovations are designed to improve how companies manage the flow of goods, services, and commodities across borders.
“Navigating the complexities of global trade regulations has never been more challenging,” says Brian Hodgson, General Manager of Trade Intelligence at Descartes. “Our solutions help businesses manage risk, stay agile, and adapt to rapidly changing trade rules. Our goal is to provide businesses with the tools they need to secure their supply chains and stay ahead of the competition.”
Here’s an overview of some of Descartes’ key innovations in global trade intelligence:
1. AI-Driven Compliance Solutions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in helping companies scale their compliance operations. Descartes’ new AI-enabled tools provide automated screening for restricted, sanctioned, and denied parties, reducing false positives and flagging high-risk cases for further review. Additionally, AI-driven product classification helps streamline the import/export process by quickly identifying products and cross-referencing regulations, as well as calculating landed costs. This makes it easier for companies to manage high volumes of repetitive tasks without overburdening compliance teams or needing to hire additional staff.
2. AI-Powered Global Trade Query Assistance
Descartes is also introducing an AI-powered agent designed to speed up global trade intelligence queries. This agent can communicate in multiple languages and answer common questions related to trade data. Whether it’s identifying historical trade patterns or pinpointing emerging trends, the AI agent ensures that users can easily access the most relevant data, without requiring extensive training. This makes global trade information more accessible, actionable, and easier to understand.
3. Comprehensive Trade Content for Better Risk Assessment
Descartes is expanding its global trade content offerings to help businesses assess risks more effectively. By combining traditional Harmonized System (HS)-based data with experience-driven content like previously classified products and real-time regulatory updates, companies can gain a more complete picture of their compliance landscape. This holistic approach allows businesses to make informed decisions about products, shipments, and compliance, helping to mitigate risks.
4. Advanced Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making
Descartes has enhanced its analytics capabilities with advanced Microsoft Power BI tools, which aggregate data from screening applications, visitor management systems, and other operational systems into one reporting view. This integrated approach eliminates the need for complex integrations, making it easier for businesses—especially larger ones—to access valuable insights that inform strategic decision-making. The result is improved visibility into compliance activities and better-informed choices.
5. Streamlined Export Control Management
Managing export controls can be complicated, especially for industries dealing with sensitive goods, like aerospace and defense. Descartes’ expanded capabilities for export license management make it easier for companies to navigate the growing complexities of global export controls. The platform now includes compliance checks and license determinations for more East Asian countries, along with improved workflows for handling controlled goods. These updates ensure businesses stay compliant with international laws, agreements, and security protocols.
Conclusion Descartes’ latest technology innovations are designed to help businesses build resilient, intelligent, and agile global supply chains. By leveraging AI, advanced analytics, and expanded trade content, companies can better manage the complexities of cross-border trade, enhance compliance, and stay ahead of shifting regulations.
With Descartes’ global trade intelligence solutions, companies can not only reduce risk but also position themselves for success in an increasingly unpredictable global market.
