As we reach another peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global supply chain continues to be heavily disrupted in numerous sectors. A survey with 60 supply chain executives conducted by McKinsey & Company revealed the true impact of COVID-19 on operations and building a resilient supply chain. The survey found that 73 percent of executives encountered problems with their supply base and 75 percent faced production and distribution challenges. An appalling 85 percent grappled with inefficient digital technologies in their supply chain. In response to these disruptions, most supply chain executives plan to increase resilience in their supply chains by dual sourcing raw materials, increasing safety stock levels and acquiring new talent to help with digitalization. Digitalization can empower firms to reap benefits long into the future. Through accurate forecasts, reduced downtime and quick turnaround times, the digitalization of the end-to-end supply chain processes will help companies reduce costs and make operations more productive, resulting in better service. Making transformative investments will become necessary for companies to succeed in the next normal.

Credits: Knut Alicke, Richa Gupta, and Vera Trautwein (2020). “Resetting supply chains for the next normal”. McKinsey & Company. Accessed: November 28, 2020.