2020 Showed Us the Supply Chain’s Weaknesses. Let’s Apply the Lessons Learned.

The 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic Showed Us Two Things Regarding the Supply Chain:

  1. The supply chain has an amazing resiliency thanks to the indomitable human spirit.
  2. The supply chain has woeful inadequacies when it comes to vulnerability to large-scale disruptions.

The truth found in these two statements, which are seemingly at odds with each other, is that organizations have been finding ways to overcome almost insurmountable hurdles—but these same organizations are at times stretched dangerously thin and at risk of total breakdown due to these same hurdles.

Naturally, the obstacles caused by the pandemic (staffing shortages, severe product-demand fluctuations, etc.) became the focus of most organizations—making it difficult to spend time on enhancing operations, systems, and equipment. As a result, supply chain management became a constant battle in fixing leaks in the dam rather than a dynamic, analytical process.

And while the worst point of the pandemic may have passed (at least in the United States and some other countries), the supply chain may or may not have seen its low point yet, making it all the more important to ensure your systems are prepared.

Readying your operation for future large-scale supply chain disruptions may not be easy—but it is straightforward.

Identify and Implement: A Simple Two-Step Process for Dynamic Supply Chain Management

Any organization that wants to create dynamic supply chain management that is ready for large-scale disruptions should take the following two steps:

1. Identify Weak Points

By identify, we mean assess all systems, procedures, and equipment for weak points: Where does the supply chain slow down? Where is it most vulnerable to staff shortages? Where would it grind to a halt if a particular piece of equipment broke down? What equipment is nearing the end of its useful lifespan? What is outdated or obsolete? Ask these questions and ones like them to your operations VPs, your plant managers, your supervisors, and your frontline staff.

After asking these questions, collect, aggregate, and analyze the data. Look for the weaknesses in your system and then investigate alternatives. Prioritize according to need and cost outlay. Remember that advances and innovations in material handling equipment may have created solutions you haven’t considered. What’s more, the savings generated by new equipment can help it quickly pay for itself in some cases.

2. Implement For Large-Scale Disruptions Now

Now, you’re ready for the implement step. This may seem obvious, but many organizations are slow to make significant changes for fear of failure and a resistance to shaking up the status quo.

But if we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that the supply chain is vulnerable to large-scale disruptions—and there is no safety net. As such, it’s imperative to make smart decisions while we’re in a position to.

IndPro Services

IndPro Services, a leader in U.S. Federal Government and commercial systems procurement, provides efficient, innovative, and results-driven solutions. Dedicated to improving efficiency in warehouse and distribution center operations, we work on the same side of the table with you to help you procure the best possible solution for your specific application.

Be Confident Your Organization Can Handle Large-Scale Supply Chain Disruptions

To talk about how to ensure you’re ready to weather the coming supply chain disruptions, contact IndPro Services today. We can help you figure out the most efficient, cost-effective, and disruption-proof solutions for your organization.