Did you know that, according to SupplyChain247, 75% of supply chain leaders have faced issues planning and distributing goods since the pandemic began? They believe these issues faced will impact how they operate in the near future, including how they manage peak season planning. We share a few reasons why peak season planning should be a year-round activity for all businesses. 

• Disruptions to the Supply Chain are Unpredictable

In the past, manufacturers and retailers have been able to minimize their supply chain risks by accounting for future events that could cause trouble for them. However, in today’s world, these disruptions occur with little to no warning, leaving order fulfilment teams scrambling around trying to keep operations running smoothly. Whether it is a global pandemic, weather event, or political conflict, there are so many events that can impact a supply chain. By being able to effectively adapt and be flexible, businesses are in a better position to survive a supply chain crisis, especially in peak seasons. 

• Consumer Expectations Have Raised the Bar

The pandemic changes the world in many ways, including the emergence of eCommerce as consumers’ preferred method of shopping. McKinsey recently reported that the eCommerce industry saw 10 years of growth in just 3 months. While there is an increase in consumers shopping online, there is also an increase in the number of them expecting fast delivery times. This is forcing retailers to speed up their operations, and carriers to be busier than ever. The key to business success here is to adopt an omnichannel distribution strategy that allows you to pull multiple eCommerce order fulfilment options. 

• Local and International Conflicts

Just as local conflicts, such as the 2021 looting, can put pressure on the supply chain, so can international conflicts in far-off countries. For example, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is expected to push fuel prices up for a range of commodities, such as gas and oil, and wheat and barley. While trying to predict these conflicts and their impact on the supply chain is nearly impossible, we suggest having as much visibility into all tiers of your network as possible. Businesses should also diversify their sources and routes wherever possible and prepare response plans. 

TSI’s Digital Control Tower will give you a full view of your supply chain, helping you plan ahead and deal with challenges more effectively. Book your demo today!