Nearly 75% of U.S. companies reported supply chain disruptions due to coronavirus-related issues.

According to a March survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Chain Management, nearly 75% of U.S. companies reported supply chain disruptions due to coronavirus-related issues. Before COVID-19 broke loose, most industries haven’t really felt the need to test their supply chain resiliency, or at least not to the extent that it is being tested now. Today, supply chain resiliency has taken on a new meaning and now includes aspects such as geographical diversification, visibility, and surplus capacity. These new considerations extend from raw materials to finished goods.

What organizations needed from the outset of the pandemic, and will continue to need for the foreseeable future, is a reliable means of predicting COVID-19 cases as well as their current supply levels, product burn rates, and possible obstacles to sourcing materials.

As most companies haven’t found a reliable means to practice divination we’ve found that, with the right technology and data, this is possible. Here are four ways technology can help your organization build a stronger, more proactive supply chain.

1.   Drive Comprehensive Supply Chain Visibility

Growth in global trade over recent decades has given rise to ever-increasing levels of complexity in supply chains. Few organizations likely evaluate the total network of manufacturers, distributors, and other logistics professionals who are all accountable for ensuring that the journey from raw material to delivered finished goods runs smoothly.

Yet 68% of product disruptions are a result of poor demand signaling. Global pandemic notwithstanding, the overall health and success of a supply chain rely on the ability to access accurate data with transparency into the whole of the supply chain.

The health care supply chain is a perfect example. Early 2020 saw the initial outbreak of the Coronavirus and a drastic spike in demand. This was coupled with export bans from countries that supply more than 80 percent of the raw materials that are used to create personal protective equipment which created widespread shortages. In many hotspots around the world, supplies went from two-week worth of PPE supplies in February to only a few days’ worth by March.

Real-time data on the total supply chain enables organizations to accurately identify the intersection of demand and supply, secure product more effectively and sustainably, and better ascertain the potential risks with suppliers. Using a trusted supply-chain analytics platform delivers the reliable and precise data needed for organizations to identify areas of product vulnerability and introduce safeguards, whether it be a small disruption or something on the scale we’re seeing with COVID.

2.   Properly Managing a Complex Supplier Network

Within any multifaceted organization lies the beating heart of a complex supply network which consists of thousands of vendors working across multiple sites and regions that provide supplies and supporting operations. For example, an integrated health care system master vendor list can include upward of 6,000 distinct organizations, suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers.

Given the complexity, it is understandable that many organizations lack the ability to manage thousands of suppliers and their associated contacts, proactively track services performed, and manage timely invoicing and payments.

To better manage the sheer multitude of vendors and reduce the overall risk of shortages and disruptions, organizations need a holistic strategy that typically includes the enlistment of a 3PL partner. Third-party logistics service providers can offer a procurement platform that leverages real-time data to more accurately manage vendor contracts, provide service verifications, automate invoicing and payments, manage overall supply chain costs, and improve the efficiency of the supply chain as a whole.

3.   Pinpoint and Engage Diverse Supply Chain Partners

Supplier diversity is a facet of the supply chain that has often taken a back seat to overall operations. However, as many organizations have had to learn the hard way, diversification is crucial to mitigating disruption.

While large companies are great for churning out products at a steady rate, small community businesses can help to fill in the gaps of your supply chain. Due to their size and agility, these companies can turn out projects with quick deadlines, as well as provide value-added services and products on a regular basis. For the healthcare industry, supplier diversity is essential, as it improves inclusiveness and equity, builds trust between patients and providers, and improves health outcomes for patients.

The challenge, however, is finding and vetting quality service providers, which is often difficult for larger companies, regardless of industry. 3PLs can help to solve this problem by linking you to a network of dedicated and reliable service providers, such as carriers, from their pool of trusted professionals, which allows your company to build a stronger supply network while reducing operations spending.

4.   Using Technology to Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan

The pandemic has caused a surge in demand across a wide variety of industries, as consumers have increased web orders across all e-commerce shopping platforms, a trend that will only continue to grow as we approach the holiday season and continue to see a resurgence in the spread of COVID-19 around the world. However, demand surges aren’t just limited to the pandemic, but can be triggered by black swan weather events such as hurricanes and winter weather.

These surges cause a significant jump in spot rates, which can throw your transportation budget completely out of balance. Not only do these spot rate jumps take months to return to pre-disaster levels, but the overall capacity shortage created by the demand hike can disrupt and delay the flow of your supply chain.

The technology systems that come with the right 3PL partner can not only help you improve your disaster response, but also help you find capacity when you need it most.

Strengthening Your Supply Chain with BlueGrace

With a technology-enabled supply chain, organizations can better allocate critical products and supplies while saving money, time, and―in some cases―lives.

Since 2009, our passion for logistics has helped shippers connect with carriers and keep our customers’ supply chains moving. We are dedicated to developing cutting edge, best in class technology that helps to drive savings, visibility, and efficiency into your operations. Contact us today to learn more about how BlueGrace can help your business not only survive these trying times, but thrive.