My friends and family who don’t work in industrial firms have learned my new mantra: “Supply chain.” “Why does chicken cost so much at the grocery store?” I tell them, supply chain. “It’s taking 10 months to get my new kitchen cabinets; can you believe that?” Supply chain. Can’t get any electronic device that uses a semiconductor? Supply chain.
For the few who want to know more (because despite my 28 years in publishing, some of my friends and family still don’t understand what I do), I explain how trade distortions, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and natural events like major wildfires have disrupted global supply chains and created labor shortages that go beyond “The Great Resignation.” Material scarcities and the lack of personnel to make components for manufacturers have a snowball effect on both consumers and industrial customers. And the Russia-Ukraine war is affecting every aspect of the global supply chain, particularly food supplies and energy.
After more than two years of this, many people suffer from supply-chain disruption fatigue. But it’s important to stay positive and carefully navigate your options to work toward your business goals.
In this issue of The Journal, learn how manufacturers are creating more agile, resilient supply chains by using smart systems and advanced analytics, and see how to respond faster to factors such as customer demand and materials and labor shortages.
In addition, get more ideas by downloading our free 2022 Supply Chain eBook. It includes tips on how smart technology can help you adapt to ever-changing conditions. You’ll also find examples of how CPG companies are maximizing yield and cutting waste in their supply chains, and how chemical firms are using the economic slowdown to digitize their systems.
I hope this information is helpful as we battle these disruptions together. Until next time….
Theresa Houck
Executive Editor
The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork
Enjoy The Journal’s “Automation Chat” podcast, “Successful Strategies for Mitigating Manufacturing Supply Chain Disruptions,” with Executive Editor Theresa Houck. Listen on your podcast app or on the web.
The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork™ is published by Endeavor Business Media.
