Although trade flows have adjusted, there are global supply chains that have created an impact. In recent years, our planet has become more disconnected because of increased isolation and ban. Extra measures need to be taken to protect the people. People are now working in a close setting. Travel bans have extended worldwide. There are also fears about getting access to food items at times of isolation and ban. The covid pandemic shows that we must adapt and evolve to build a resilient supply chain.Â
Global supply chains represent challenges that help maximize opportunities and minimize any kind of risks. Here are a few ways that have impacted the global supply chain.
Exceeding cost on fast shipment process
World trade considers resilient supply chain strategies because of the pandemic. There are factors both from the supply and demand side that can cause immediate turbulence which may disrupt the trade.
Supply chains must be digitally embedded and technically supported. It is true that businesses can not eliminate the risks completely. There are exceeding costs on the fast shipment process. The capability to predict a business as to what can go wrong can help foresee problems and allow someone to suggest solutions. Businesses must map out the supply chains and have total visibility of suppliers and their locations. There should be other logistics players involved so that information is easily exchanged between them.
No supply chain disruption
It is possible that anything can happen during the shipment process. Since the pandemic, disruption has caused new significant challenges to supply chain. Supply chain disruption occurs when an external force becomes the driving force behind your business. There could be covid pandemic, changes in government policies or a cyber attack on the IT systems.
Reduced productivity can cause labor shortage or product shortage. One of the best examples of supply chain disruption is how the demand for air travel has dropped significantly. People had to stay at home most of the times during the covid pandemic so vacations and business trips came to a halt. There were not only health concerns, but also border controls that impacted the demand for air travel.
Storage restrictions
Manufacturing plants that cause warehouse shut down and contamination issues are the common types of disruptions that can affect the supply chain industry. There can also be natural disasters that can affect the overall supply chain disruption process. The layout of warehouses has also changed so that they can comply with social distancing requirements for the safety of employees.
Having availability of products
Check out the availability of your inventory. It is important when your supply chain is disrupted. You may want to check out the physical inventory and audit the number of products available. You should also check out what spare parts and components are easily available that can help keep up with the production capacity.
Reducing the amount of stock
There is a possibility to reduce the amount of stock. It is usually important when it is considered necessary to retain and the companies have the relevant suppliers and contacts on an international level. You can not only save costs in terms of transporting goods, storage but also avoid the chances of an increased theft.
Boosting trade resilience
There are effects of disruption in a global set up. There are two scenarios. You can use supply disruption in a large supplier country and provide shocks to multiple nations. Improve the response to disruption with real time visibility and monitoring end to end supply chain as well as creating a scenario. It is also important to have technological capabilities that help communicate with stakeholders.
Learning from other people
Through the global supply chain, companies can learn from others as they can cooperate with businesses from across the world. There are plenty of new ways to do business, which you can learn from a sister company. Businesses also inspire new production and distribution methods as the companies have a willingness to learn from other companies.
These are some of the ways that trade and supply chain have impacted the industry. By ensuring compliance, saving costs and increasing pressure from the workforce, the supply chain sustainability is improved. Employees want to work for companies that have sustainability built into their mission statements so that customer’s expectations are increased.
