Even the most optimal supply chains require updates and upkeep over time. From the perspective of a business, it is far more cost-effective to maintain a supply chain than to build a backup from scratch after allowing it to become outdated.
Future-proofing your supply chain could help keep your business operating smoothly and with as few unforeseen disruptions as possible. Future-proofing has a whole new meaning thanks to the changes brought on by the pandemic, as well as the rapid shift toward e-commerce across the country.
Act Sustainably
One of the leading trends in logistics is the drive for sustainability. Sustainability is not only an overarching goal for the industry, but also a way to meet customer expectations at a time when emissions and other environmental issues are more important than ever.
In order to act sustainably now and in the future, management must do more than make a one-time strategic decision. Acting sustainably is an ongoing mission that could require changes throughout the supply chain.
Integrate Technology
Although the challenges related to supply chain resiliency continue to grow and change, the incredible pace at which technology is also advancing could represent one of the best tools for future-proofing your business operations.
Integrating technologies can be costly and time-consuming, but it should be thought of as an investment in the future. Paying the upfront costs associated with adopting these helpful technologies could pay off in the future, especially as innovation continues to reshape the logistics industry.
There are countless ways that advances in technology could strengthen your supply chain now and in the future. Relying on automation, making use of data and analytics, and using innovative tools within the Internet of Things could all help improve productivity.
Invest in the Workforce
While it is true that rapidly advancing logistics technology can play a major role in future-proofing your supply chain, the longevity of your business cannot depend on technology alone since rapid advancements also mean rapid obsoletion. Instead, future-proofing efforts should apply a people-driven approach that trains a workforce to meet the supply chain’s growing challenges.
This can be possible in part through upskilling the existing workforce. By providing your current workforce with additional skills, your employees could become capable of addressing quickly changing needs with forethought and insight. The more roles a worker can fill, the less likely there will be labor-related delays.
Constantly Evaluate Weaknesses
Most warehouse operators understand the weaknesses in their businesses. While many weaknesses can be addressed without much investigation, future-proof solutions are only possible by first understanding the current threats to the supply chain.
Risk factors can continue to shift and change, meaning the primary issues that impacted a supply chain a few months ago could be relatively minor compared to developing problems. When a business owner is constantly reviewing their weak points, they become better equipped to predict and avoid the risks that could come with them. Reducing those risks is a key component of future-proofing a supply chain.
Cultivate Your Strengths
Too many warehouses attempt to do too much with the resources they have available. One of the ways you could keep your supply chain future-proofed is by focusing on strengths and enlisting help for weaknesses.
When maintaining staffing levels is an issue, one tool for addressing that weakness is flex labor. HapiGig is a digital platform designed to connect warehouse operators with gig workers who can fill their short-term labor needs. Reach out right away to learn how HapiGig could help.