How to Run an Efficient Supply Chain Through a Global Pandemic

August 20, 2020

How to Run an Efficient Supply Chain Through a Global Pandemic

All businesses need to keep their supply chain running and as efficient as possible as long as the company itself is operating. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has thrown up some interesting questions about commercial operations in times of crisis like this. Here are some of the ways a business can run an efficient supply chain through a global pandemic.

Key Takeaways on Running an Efficient Supply Chain:

  1. Focus on Sustainability: Prioritise sustainable materials, such as reusable and easily sanitised plastic pallets, to ensure efficiency during a pandemic.
  2. Consider Rentals: Renting equipment and supplies can support other businesses and contribute to a more sustainable supply chain during uncertain times.
  3. Master Logistics: Efficient and detailed logistics are crucial for managing a supply chain during a crisis, including tracking stock movements and addressing discrepancies.
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Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is a key marker here that many need to jump on if they are searching for efficiency. While we might think of materials like paper or cardboard in this scenario, it is actually plastic that comes up on top here.

You need to think about something that is strong and reusable, while also being easy to sanitise and clean. Plastic is the perfect material here. The plastic pallets from Reusable Transport Packaging are ideal as they have been designed with sustainability in mind. With the largest stock of pallets in the US, they have everything from heavy duty to lightweight pallets that can be reused as many times as you need them.

In times like this, this can be more important than ensuring that something is easily recyclable like paper. While a focus on sustainability is important, you need to make sure that your focus is directed in the right facet of sustainability.

There are many companies that focus on Climate Action, Sustainable Businesses -Deedster is an example of this. Why not check out what other small businesses are doing to take action, and try implementing ideas into your business to collectively make the planet greener?

Consider Rentals

With the usage of plastic comes the question as to whether you wish to purchase it or rent it. For true sustainability and efficiency, it might be better for you to rent during a pandemic. This is because there is a wealth of sustainable supply chains to draw on that already use plastic.

Choosing one of these over your own purchases means that you can get the supplies you need while supporting other businesses. In uncertain times like these, we all need to do our part. Supporting other companies and becoming part of their supply chains is a brilliant move forward.

Master Logistics

Your logistics are going to be the most important tools to help you get through this time. If you are not used to handling logistics on a global level, it might be time to seek out some resources that will give you a hand. There are some nuances that come with international trade that are slightly different from those you find when just selling and buying within your own country.

To be as successful as possible, a business needs to make sure that it has detailed logs when moving stock around. Whether it is deliveries of supplies for them or shipments for customers, everything needs to be tracked and logged down to the smallest of items. With detailed records like this, discrepancies can be tracked down and managed before they can cause serious damage.

If a business had poor logistics before the pandemic, they would have most certainly felt the need to improve them now. There are so many resources one can fall back on when trying to improve supply chains. By focusing on how to set up an efficient supply chain, companies should find themselves well-protected in the event of another global pandemic or other issue.

Image by mkaylani from Pixabay

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