Supply Chain Issues to Look Out For in 2021

From toilet paper shortages and shipping delays to problems getting PPE around the country and delays in rolling out Covid-19 vaccines, few topics were front and center in the media like the issues of the global supply chain. 

We have witnessed, maybe first hand, how entire industries have been closed down overnight due to border closures, Covid restrictions and the lack of raw materials. Due to this, companies may be forced to go back to basics with local supply. This often means increased costs, however, companies would have more control over aspects such as quality and delivery. The supply chain needs to be agile enough to account for any unexpected shocks.

Raman Bhalla, founder of supply chain agency Pro Source Direct says: “Pro Source Direct helps our customers with the fall out of Covid-19 in many different ways. Our analysis of your current supply chain allows us to gain an insight on your current pain points, such as areas of your supply that are hemorrhaging money. By identifying these points, we are able to create an action plan and are able to look at implementing solutions. 

Bhalla continues: “This could mean connecting you with another trusted manufacturer or supplier in order to bring your costs down. This may also mean your production lead time is improved. Our account managers will take on all of the headaches in managing the supply chains, giving businesses the time and resources to focus their attention elsewhere in their business.”

Pro Source Direct is a supply chain agency offering full consultation and analysis. They are then able to implement solutions to all of the identified issues. They use a global network to connect their clients with the right manufacturers and suppliers with the aim of creating a tight and efficient supply network.

Whilst online shopping was already on the increase, this industry has benefited a lot during the pandemic. This is expected to continue and has posed a new norm for many businesses who will not return to life before lockdown. Many businesses have been forced to shift their sales online. The surge in this industry means there is a lot of opportunities created.

“We have been able to help businesses adapt and pivot from physical sales to online sales. We identify and manage efficient supply chains. We also are able to help with the storage and distribution of these e-commerce products. We have a strong and long-standing relationship with our freight partner KargoBox. This partnership allows us to have relationships with big logistics providers such as DHL.” – says Bhalla.

Another issue with the supply chain is the freight and shipping rates which are expected to remain volatile. Major players FED-EX and UPS have already announced their general rates are increasing and have put this down to increased operating costs in their network. Freight will need to be carefully thought out and planned to account for this.

Founder of Pro Source comments: “The increase in freight comes as no surprise as the globe looks to revive its economies after the fall out of COVID-19. The demand is greater for transportation services hence the hike in price. At Pro Source Direct, our team works extremely hard at finding and identifying the most efficient and yet trustworthy and reliable routes and methods of transport.  

Unfortunately, as we move into the new year, we are no closer to knowing when things will eventually go back to normal. The best way is to prepare for the worst and speak to the experts at Pro Source Direct.