Remote working. Telehealth. Social distancing practices. These are some of the new norms of business. Yet, if you were asked to think about supply chain logistics, would you think of the people first or the machines?
Though we can sometimes forget people aren’t machines, it took a world-wide shakeup to put people first. From their health and well-being to their work-life balance desires, the new norm is putting people first. And when supply chain software means more than money, then there is something truly special happening.
When You Put People First, Customer Relationships Improve
We’re on shaky ground right now and it’s important to ensure your business not only rises to current challenges but rises to the top of its industry as well. Businesses are being forced to raise the bar and they’re learning to do so by focusing on their people first. So, what’s being done?
- Whether your employees are working from home or on the factory floor, it’s important to check in. Make sure they’re represented and know someone cares about their mental, physical, and emotional health.
- You’re in supply chain logistics. Maximize those processes you use for your products into strategies for your employees. Reassure those on the floor robots won’t take their jobs, but for now, these robots won’t get sick either. Plus, behind every robotic machine, there’s a human.
- Upskill and reskill your employees so they can work across departments with stakeholders and empower them with confidence that their voice matters.
People are a large and crucial part of supply chain logistics and these are just a few steps to help plan for a sometimes, unpredictable future. And when you put your people first, they put your customers first. It’s a win-win for everyone.
You Can’t Meet Demand Without Supply
When there is no supply to meet demand, it can cause uncertainty no matter the size of your business. It can teach some hard lessons, but it can also show where the gaps are and how your business can fill it. These concerns factor in a variety of issues such as cash flow, geographical contingencies, and digital readiness.
You can’t help others if you can’t help yourself. Procurement has an integral role in tightening processes within a supply base. Below are a couple of steps to help move your business in the right direction.
- Consider alternative sources like local suppliers. Things may be more expensive, but not nearly as expensive as when you can’t receive products or have no product to ship.
- Develop a safety net. Create engagement.
- Continuously innovate. Find new ways to make your business run better, more smoothly, even in times of crisis.
Supply chains help to deliver products through a network of resources. Routes must be mapped. Product decided. Processes implemented. The product must be made, stored, and transported by a team that has planned, predicted, and filled a need or service as it became known. Sure, you may spend money on the product and all the hands it takes to get to you.
What customers need sometimes means more to them than money.
Author Bio
Written by Meghan Hale, a content writer, and editing machine. She is working with Pearl Lemon Property. You’ll find me yelling at my dog to stop barking, whether it be at the neighbors or on a long afternoon walk