The epidemic crisis of 2020 accelerated many trends in consumer behavior. It exposed risks both on the supply and demand sides of the supply chain. As we begin supply chain planning in 2021, we realize the adopted behaviors are permanent. Companies have to be able to support multiple fulfillment channels, efficiently handle returns and insulate themselves from regional disruptions across the globe.
To strike the balance between complying with COVID-related shutdowns, fulfilling their customers’ orders and preserving their bottom lines, organizations across most industries revved up their e-commerce engines and began doing more business online in early-2020.
The global pandemic and the disruption of foreign production is driving many manufacturing organizations to explore re-shoring of raw material sourcing, product components and finished goods. In our conversations, we are finding that C-Suite leaders are spending as much as half their time focused on solving issues in their network. Bringing production closer to the manufacturing base improves geographical access and mitigates the risks associated with an overseas failure.
Perhaps you’ve heard the famous proverb: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” The saying becomes particularly popular when companies look for ways to overcome natural business barriers and deliver the products and services their customers demand.
As the nation begins the process of reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a lot to look forward to. Friends will assemble once more, and we’ll be able to gather at our favorite places to eat, drink and socialize. One challenge in all this togetherness: everyone will be doing it at least six feet apart. Businesses are preparing now for that change.
Consumers have steadily been shifting to a more customized shopping experience in recent years. This shift went into overdrive as effects of the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the globe, and traditional shopping methods were cut off.
In an era where delivery choice and speed are becoming fundamental expectations for everyone, companies across most industries are rethinking how they receive, fulfill and ship customer orders.
