Best Practices For Handling Unexpected Supply Chain Issues

As Tariffs Disrupt the Flow, 4 Supply Chain Moves Every Executive Should Make: Tariffs aren’t just a trade issue, they’re a leadership one. As an executive coach, I work with leaders navigating disruption to become more effective in how they think, decide, and lead so their organizations and teams perform at the highest level. Right now, global supply chains are under pressure from shifting tariffs, reshoring mandates, and geopolitical realignment. What used to be a smooth, just-in-time operation is now a daily exercise in adaptability. Here are four strategic shifts every executive should be considering: 🔍 1. Audit Hidden Dependencies Most leaders track Tier 1 suppliers—but disruptions often originate in Tier 2 or Tier 3. Map the full supply chain to understand where risks lie beyond what’s immediately visible. 🌎 2. Go Beyond “China-Plus-One” Relocating from China to Vietnam or Mexico may ease tariff exposure, but true resilience requires a multi-regional approach. Diversify sourcing and distribution to withstand geopolitical shocks. ⚙️ 3. Align Procurement with Enterprise Strategy It’s no longer just about cost. Factor in tariffs, political stability, and fulfillment risk. Ensure procurement and strategy functions are working in tandem—not in silos. 🧠 4. Embrace Supply Chain Intelligence AI tools and digital modeling can help you simulate scenarios and plan proactively. Today’s smart supply chains aren’t static—they’re dynamic, data-driven, and decision-ready. Executives who succeed in today’s environment are the ones who build resilience into their operations and clarity into their leadership. Tariffs may be the current headline, but adaptability, foresight, and strategic alignment are the lasting differentiators. If you are looking for a partner to support you in making your supply chain and your leadership more future-ready, let's connect.

Global trade is in a crunch, as a complex web of factors cause a container capacity crisis that’s shaking the very foundations of international commerce. The onset of peak shipping season, the need for longer transit times to circumvent the Red Sea, and adverse weather conditions in Asia have all conspired to disrupt trade on vital routes. This disruption has led to ocean carriers either skipping ports or reducing their port time, which subsequently impacts the collection of empty containers.    But businesses are not helpless in this situation. There are several strategies that can be adopted to alleviate the impact.     1. Enhance Supply Chain Visibility: By implementing advanced tracking systems like CARGOES.COM Flow offered by DP World Americas, businesses can receive real-time updates on container movements, aiding in the prediction and management of delays. 2. Diversify Supplier Base: Establishing relationships with multiple suppliers can decrease reliance on a single source and enhance the ability to source containers. 3. Optimize Inventory Management: The adoption of just-in-time inventory practices can reduce storage needs and the number of containers required. 4. Leverage Technology: Utilizing AI and machine learning can lead to more accurate demand forecasting, resulting in better container utilization. 5. Collaborate with Stakeholders: A close collaboration with shipping lines, ports, and regulators can result in more efficient container management and turnover. 6. Adjust Logistics Strategies: Considering alternative transportation methods or rerouting options can help bypass congested ports.    By proactively addressing these areas, businesses can better weather the storm of container shortages and ensure a smoother operation of their supply chains. This is not just a survival strategy, but an opportunity to innovate and thrive amidst adversity.    #GlobalTradeCrisis #SupplyChainManagement #LogisticsInnovation #ContainerShortages #DPWorldAmericas

Because firefighting kills supply chain ... The document shows how to address common firefighting situations: 🔥 # 1 - The line shutting down because they are running out of an ingredient ↳ Check on available inventory at other plants and open purchase orders ↳ Call supplier(s) to ask for options ↳ Check BOMs (bills of materials) for substitutes 🔥 # 2 - Every week there are stockouts of corrugated boxes ↳ Document reason (production schedule changes, quality, etc) ↳ Per Pareto, identify the 20% root causes of 80% of the stockouts ↳ Re-calculate safety stock 🔥 # 3 - The packaging is going to arrive late ↳ Find out about expediting options; timing and cost ↳ Work with scheduler and/or supplier(s) to identify options ↳ Explore other sizes/ packaging alternatives 🔥 # 4 - The company needs materials asap but the containers from China will arrive in two months ↳ Determine quantity needed asap ↳ Ship air for urgent quantity and ocean for the balance ↳ Search local alternatives for the urgent quantity 🔥 # 5 - A truck with a delivery is coming but there is no space in the warehouse ↳ Work with supplier and/ or trucking company for alternate slots ↳ Identify nearby warehouses with space availability ↳ Look into bill and hold agreements for the future 🔥 # 6 - There is a pile of aging inventory ↳ Perform segmentation to prioritize (e.g. dollar amount, expiry date) ↳ Identify potential use and timing ↳ Explore options with suppliers and marketing and sales teams 🔥 # 7 - A raw materials delivery gets rejected due to quality issues ↳ Reach out to the supplier to get a replacement batch ↳ Check on availability on the material with alternate suppliers ↳ Work with production scheduler on potential changes Any others to add?

Supply chain risks don’t just show up. They hide in plain sight. Most companies wait for disruptions to expose the weak links. Smart companies identify risks before they become problems. Here’s how: — 1. Map Your Supply Chain Do you know all your suppliers, partners, and processes? Most risks come from areas you can’t see. — 2. Analyze Historical Data What disruptions have impacted you before? Past events often signal patterns or vulnerabilities. — 3. Assess Supplier Stability Are your suppliers financially sound and operationally reliable? A single failure upstream can cripple your operations. — 4. Evaluate Environmental Factors Natural disasters, climate change, or geopolitical tensions. Are you prepared for location-specific risks? — 5. Use Risk Modeling Tools AI and analytics can help simulate potential disruptions and pinpoint where you’re most vulnerable. — 6. Collaborate Across Teams Your logistics, procurement, and operations teams hold key insights. Bring them together to uncover hidden risks. — Risk identification isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuous process. The more proactive you are, the fewer surprises you’ll face. Where are the blind spots in your supply chain?