The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a significant challenge to global supply chains. The pandemic’s impact on international trade and logistics has highlighted the need for stronger, more resilient supply chains. Global executive leader and at Stavig Industries LLC Daniel Roth, Myers Container, has been at the forefront of creating innovative solutions to strengthen global supply chains in a post-pandemic world.
With decades of experience in the industry, Roth has a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges involved in creating and maintaining a robust global supply chain.
In this article, he shares his thoughts on how businesses can strengthen their global supply chains in a post-pandemic world. Here are 5 key takeaways that provide valuable insights for businesses.
1. Diversifying Your Supplier Base
One of the lessons that the pandemic has taught us is the importance of diversifying your supplier base. When a global crisis hits, businesses that rely on a single source of supply are at risk of disruption. Diversifying your supplier base can help reduce this risk.
Daniel Roth emphasizes that businesses need to create a robust supply chain by identifying and cultivating relationships with alternative suppliers. This approach ensures that businesses can source critical materials and components from different regions and countries, reducing their dependence on a single supplier.
Roth suggests that businesses should prioritize building long-term relationships with their suppliers to create a more resilient supply chain. This involves conducting regular assessments of suppliers’ financial stability, quality controls, and delivery performance to ensure they meet the company’s standards.
2. Embrace Digitalization and Technology
Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the adoption of digital technologies in supply chain management grew even more. Digitalization can help companies streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency of their supply chains.
Daniel Roth emphasizes the need to embrace digitalization and technology in order to create a more resilient supply chain. This involves using technologies such as predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to improve visibility, traceability, and accountability in the supply chain.
These technologies can help businesses predict supply chain disruptions and proactively manage risks, while also improving communication and collaboration among supply chain partners, leading to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
3. Agility & Flexibility
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of agility and flexibility, especially in supply chain management. Businesses that can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and customer demands are more likely to succeed in a post-pandemic world. Businesses need to create a culture of readiness and adaptability by building a team of resourceful professionals. This involves providing training and resources to enable team members to respond to changes quickly and effectively.
Roth suggests that businesses should create a contingency plan that outlines the steps they will take in the event of a supply chain disruption. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
4. Transparency & Accountability
Another crucial aspect that he emphasizes is the need for transparency in the supply chain. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in supply chain management, and businesses need to take steps to ensure they have full visibility of their supply chains.
Roth suggests that businesses should conduct regular audits of their supply chains to identify any potential risks or areas of weakness. This involves working closely with suppliers to ensure they meet the company’s standards for sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices.
In addition, businesses need to create a system for tracking and monitoring their supply chains to identify potential risks and address them proactively. This approach can help businesses improve their risk management capabilities, enhance supplier relationships, and build a more sustainable and responsible supply chain.
5. Alternative Modes of Transportation
the pandemic has caused significant disruptions to transportation networks worldwide. The closure of borders and the reduction in air travel have made it difficult for businesses to transport goods across borders. Daniel Roth suggests that businesses need to explore alternative transportation modes such as rail and sea to reduce their reliance on air travel and enhance their supply chain resilience.
Businesses can also consider establishing local production facilities in key markets to reduce their dependence on imports. By producing goods locally, businesses can improve their supply chain resilience by reducing transportation costs, mitigating the risks of border closures, and improving their ability to respond to changes in demand.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of creating a more resilient and robust global supply chain. By diversifying their supplier base, embracing digitalization and technology, developing a culture of agility and flexibility, and promoting transparency and accountability, businesses can create a supply chain that is better equipped to withstand future crises. As Daniel Roth puts it, “The post-pandemic world demands a supply chain that is agile, resilient, and sustainable. Businesses that take these steps now will be better positioned to succeed in the future.”
About Daniel Roth
Daniel Roth, formerly of Myers Container LLC, is known for his account management and business development skills and has proven experience in the manufacturing sector. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oregon before continuing his studies at Portland State University, where he graduated with an MBA. Since 2009, Roth has worked for Stavig Industries, LLC in various roles—first as Director of Sourcing and Supply Chain and later as Senior Vice President of Sales and General Manager.
