How can you overcome obstacles in your supply chain?
Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR and Administration at SafeSourcing Inc.
There will always be times when people and the economy struggle and face tough times, and now is definitely one of those times. Unemployment claims have been higher than ever seen before, stocks have plummeted lower than anyone would’ve thought, and we keeping trekking on without a clear end to it in sight. Things will eventually begin looking up and people and the economy will begin recovering and heading toward a more normal state that we are all accustomed to, although it may take some time. There are, however, things you can do now to help get through this.
Many companies have faced challenges in their supply chain. With so many businesses closed and people out of work, there may be many products that you just haven’t been able to even get. This is the best time to reach out to your procurement partner and see how they can help – and they will likely help in big ways.
Filling the gaps – Your organization may be struggling to find some specific items, like toilet paper or hand sanitizer for example. Because there has been an abundance of consumers buying certain items, many retailers have not been able to keep up with demand. This is when reaching out to your procurement partner can help you find what you need. While you may not be able to get the exact brand of toilet paper for example, a procurement partner may be able to find suppliers of other brands that can fit your needs and provide the paper products your customers want.
Getting things there – One way reaching out to your procurement partner can help is by finding the right people to fill in the gaps in your supply chain. For instance, if your logistics company is now not available for regular runs, a procurement partner, like SafeSourcing, can help you find the right company that can not only fill the gaps in your coverage, but may also be a better fit for your needs.
Connecting each other – Another way a procurement partner can help disruptions in the supply chain is by simply having someone who has a hand in almost every industry. Your procurement partner likely deals with everyone from raw material suppliers, to manufacturers, distributors, brokers, retailers, all the way to customers. They are likely to have the knowledge and skills to help bridge any gaps that your organization may have in coverage, simply because that’s what procurement partners do. They connect your organization with the people that can help get you up and running again.
In addition to helping your organization overcome disruptions in the supply chain, a procurement partner may also be able to save you money on the things you already buy. In fact, even during difficult times, a procurement partner can not only find suppliers that can provide the products and services you need, but also get those products and services an average of 24% less than you were already paying.
For more information on how SafeSourcing can help your supply chain of sourcing needs, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.
