Supply Chains are facing unprecedented challenges which are forecast to reach a climax before Christmas. These include:
- Driver shortages
- Warehouse and packing staff shortages
- Limited access to seasonal workers
- Container shortages
- Manufacturing hold ups
- Inflationary pressures on costs particularly wages and shipping costs
For those companies that are affected the time to act is now. The immediate requirement is to assess the scale of the challenge and to prepare a comprehensive plan that is likely to include not just transport and warehousing but many other functions within the organisation including:
- Sales & marketing – Managing customer expectations
- Production – Prioritising certain products or customers
- Finance – Improved payment terms to support hard pressed suppliers
- HR – Imaginative incentives and increased staff training
- Purchasing – Sourcing alternative suppliers
Only by developing a broad based plan will organisations be able to minimise the worst effects of the challenge. A challenge, that for some companies will continue into the New Year as changed circumstances may require a revised business model or operating methods.
Davies & Robson has a wealth of experience in supporting companies restructure their supply chains and refine their business plans. If you would like to know how we can help your company please call 01327 349 090
