Build vs. Buy: Weighing the Options for Operational Automation in Commodity and Energy Trading

The current market environment is marked by geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying regulatory pressure. Companies must navigate sudden tariffs and sanctions, disrupted transportation routes, newly introduced regulations, and frequent changes to existing policies. The sheer volume and variability of regulations, tariffs, and taxes across the supply chain are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

At the same time, trading portfolios are expanding across regions, and new commodities – such as hydrogen, biofuels, and a wide range of environmental products – are emerging as part of the energy transition. As a result, the time required for logistics operations and back-office activities continues to grow, along with the risk of human error when handling the complex, document-heavy processes that define trading, logistics, and settlement.

Automation would bring huge benefits. It will result in faster execution, cleaner data, and a foundation for the next generation of operational intelligence in commodities. It is no surprise that many companies are seeking greater automation and real time insights for their operational workflows.