Lisa Anderson

Proactive manufacturers are leaning on predictive demand planning processes to estimate and get ahead of changing capacity and down-the-line supply chain needs.

Risks abound in the global supply chain and goods movement systems. The only successful strategy to thrive is to create a resilient supply chain. According to the Global Port Tracker (GPT) report from Hackett Associates and the National Retail Federation (NRF), the specter of labor strife and new tariffs, along with strong sales, is driving U.S. retailers to keep imports surging through the spring. 

According to a McKinsey study, investment in supply chain digitization is slowing down after rapid growth in 2020-2023. On the other hand, the McKinsey Global Supply Chain Leader Survey finds that nine out of 10 respondents continue to experience supply chain challenges. 

Opportunities to increase market share will increase when companies are pre-positioned for growth in a resilient and scalable way.

During uncertain times, manufacturers can adopt new methods to create stability and deliver sustainable bottom-line results.

Since logistics is dependent on a system of systems, the system is only as strong as its weakest link.

Manufacturers should work to reduce materials, energy consumption, and inefficiencies to improve their carbon footprint and achieve the triple bottom line.

Improving packaging efficiency can produce dramatic results, including savings in materials, labor, and freight.

The use of technology and automation will be of paramount importance to not just supplement the labor force, but also to meet ever increasing customer requirements and provide visibility across the end-to-end supply chain.

As companies are searching for ways to successfully navigate these turbulent times, the best ones are achieving a win-win focus on the customer and costs.