Supply chain disruptions will require workarounds and effective internal communication

In the world of business, the last thing any owner, CEO or stakeholder wants to hear is “disruption”.

Effective supply chains that run like a well-oiled machine are integral to any business’s success. Consumers today have gotten accustomed to products always being available and accessible. When there’s a disruption in this availability and accessibility, the relationship between consumers and businesses gets disrupted too.

In a report published by the Institute of Supply Management, nearly 75% of businesses said their supply chain was severely disrupted due to COVID. If you’ve also been hit with a supply chain disruption, then effective workarounds and internal communication especially, are two of the keys to getting back on track.

Getting back on track from supply chain disruptions 

Internal communication

Crisis communications is one of the keys to managing affairs in the middle of a supply chain disruption and this means being prepared to communicate the ‘current scenario’ to all employees, customers, stakeholders, suppliers, media, analysts, and the general community at large.

When you do this, everyone, and especially your customers, will appreciate the fact that you honestly reported supply chain issues, which means you will be able to maintain the same level of trust you’ve worked so hard to build.

An important thing to remember when communicating this to all stakeholders is to speak with one voice. Designate a single person who will share the most accurate and up-to-date information about the supply chain crises and what your company is doing to mitigate it. It’s very important to not blame anything or anyone (such as coronavirus or a specific supplier), sugar-coat things or try to spin it in some way or the other. Be very honest and tell your audience exactly what you’re going to do about it, and how long it may be before things return to normal.

Always be transparent with your customers as it is essential to getting through these tough times. When you’re upfront about the supply chain issues you are facing, your customer base is far more likely to cut you some slack and stick with you through thick and thin.

Come up with workarounds – fast

Companies must plan ahead in regard to how they might manage customer demand during a supply chain disruption. Here are some ideas:

  • Product triage (allocation) – Let’s say multiple products utilise the same component, which products should get the component? In this case, you would want to consider financial contributions, company needs, customer importance, fairness, or which customers/stakeholders could go out of business. Always plan this ahead of time, and not in the middle of a supply chain crisis.
  • Demand shipping – If some of your products are in short supply and there is reasonably sufficient stock of other similar products, you might raise the price of the less in-demand products and lower the price of others, to shift customer demand a little, helping you cope with the crisis.
  • Diversify suppliers – When you have backup suppliers in multiple locations, it can mitigate some of the problems that come with geographical disruptions.

The future of warehouse health and safety checklist inspections is Warehouse Auditor App – a bespoke piece of software designed by specialists working in the Manufacturing and Logistics sectors, helping warehouse professionals, record data in an easier, more efficient, and cost-effective way.

Related News

health and safety inspection app

The Future of Logistics and Warehousing: Efficiency and Innovation

The logistics and warehousing sector have seen significant transformation in recent years, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations. As e-commerce continues to surge, businesses are under increasing pressure to optimize supply chains, reduce lead times, and provide seamless delivery experiences. This has led to a rapid shift in how warehouses and logistics networks operate.

The logistics and warehousing sector have seen significant transformation in recent years, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations.

Integrating AI and Robotics in Manufacturing: The Future of Efficient Production

The manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics at the forefront of this transformation. As businesses look for ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase product quality, AI and robotics offer groundbreaking solutions that are revolutionizing the way products are made.

health and safety inspection app

Increased Adoption of Green Logistics: A Sustainable Future for the UK Logistics Industry

The logistics industry in the UK is undergoing a significant transformation, with sustainability becoming a central focus. One of the key trends driving this shift is the increased adoption of green logistics. As environmental concerns continue to grow, logistics companies are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly solutions to reduce their carbon footprints and meet stricter environmental regulations.

health and safety inspection app

Why the Operations Management role will continue to be in high demand

Operations management in Manufacturing and Warehousing is at the forefront of change, utilising modern technologies as well as disciples to not only address the latest string of operational challenges, but also keep organisations running like a well-oiled machine, all the while maximising both productivity and profitability.

health and safety inspection app

A technology trend of a disruptive nature in warehousing & logistics

The main goal of any businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics is to improve the accuracy of order fulfilment, minimise operational costs, and optimise resource allocation. The advent of digitalisation and other disruptive technologies in warehouse management and logistics, which we’ll be discussing shortly, have paved the way for businesses in the sector to increase revenues and improve operational efficiencies across the board – among other things.

Going Paperless in manufacturing and logistics operations

Going Paperless in manufacturing and logistics operations

Paperless manufacturing is revolutionising the way factories now manage, coordinate, and report various activities through the use of digital tools. Digitalisation or digital disruption has proven to be an effective strategy for more streamlined work order management, for example, helping organisations maintain quality standards, all the while ensuring that they are on top of compliance matters.

Supply Chain Sustainability in Warehousing and Manufacturing

Supply Chain Sustainability in Warehousing and Manufacturing

Supply chain sustainability refers to effectively managing the social, economic, and environmental factors within an organisation’s supply chain. A very important aspect of this sustainability initiative is recognising and acknowledging the link between a manufacturing company and the broader ecosystem they may be impacting – and then coming up with responsible business practices to make all aspects of the supply chain sustainable.

Logistics Trends for 2024

Logistics Trends for 2024

As we eagerly look to a bright and productive year ahead, the UK’s logistics sector is at a bit of crossroads, so to speak, poised for disruption amid a backdrop of regulatory shifts, technological evolution, and global economic dynamics.

Automation in the Manufacturing sector

Automation in the Manufacturing sector

In a recent report released by The Manufacturers’ Organisation, half of the companies surveyed are upping their investment in automation technologies, especially AI and ML, with almost ¾ of companies now spending more openly on automation across multiple technologies and functions – from product design and development to manufacturing and warehousing operations.

health and safety checklist app

How to continuously improve your H&S practices in manufacturing and logistics

Organisations working in high-risk industries like manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, and logistics, are well aware of the risks and potential hazards their workers face each day. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, many businesses do not have the appropriate health and safety controls to minimise risk and hazards at the workplace.

Try it FREE for 30 days – no credit card required!

Interested in simplifying your health and safety inspections, enhance compliance and boost efficiency?
We are here to help you get started!
Call 03450 17 99 44
Email enquiries@thehsmanager.co.uk

© The HS Manager 2025.
The HS Manager is a product developed by the Inventory Manager Ltd Company No: 06381122
Registered address 651 A Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7SA
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy.

Top

Simply fill in the form to get started.

We will email you the links to download the app from the Google, Windows, or App stores

Thanks for registering.

Your free account is activated.

We have just emailed you the links to download the app from the stores and also our handy guide to using HS Manager. No time to lose? Get started now by clicking on one of the links below!
app store