Preparing your Supply Chain for Severe Weather

A couple of weeks ago, we discussed how to prepare your supply chain for winter weather. This week we will discuss what you can do to prepare your supply chain when severe weather hits. Prior to preparing a plan for what to do in the event of a weather event, consider what the factors and aspects that your supply chain will be affected. From here you can create a plan of what to do in the event severe weather occurs. Some ways to prepare for severe weather include:

Planning ahead

Planning ahead of time will help to prepare your team when severe weather happens. Create different scenarios of what could potentially happen with the best case and worst case scenarios. This way you can create situations as what do when severe weather strikes.

Have a variety of suppliers

Create relationships with a variety of suppliers to have a selection depending on when severe weather hits. Use suppliers that provide that ability to control costs and fluctuations in service during disaster recovery and post-disaster. Also, look at expanding your routes in the event of transportation disruptions. This way you will be covered in the event of severe weather.

Disaster plans in place from suppliers

Ask your supplier what plans are in place if severe weather happens. Being prepared in the supply chain. Review the supplier’s plan in the case of a disaster and see how their plans can support your supply chain.

Review the demand for product

Consider the potential weather events that can happen and consider what products will be in high demand and how the supply can fulfill the demand. Establish an outline of what is required before disaster strikes. This way you will know how the demand for products will be affected by the emergency.

Flexibility

When a severe weather event happens or a natural disaster, demand fluctuates as people require certain products for the weather event. Before a disaster occurs, check your supply chain has the capacity to endure an increase in demand. On the other hand, if your products are not needed in the supply chain ensure that they are not hindering any other aspects of the supply chain.

Natural disasters and severe weather is inevitable but, creating a plan of what to do in the event will help you be prepared when it happens. Discussing and planning for what to do in the event of severe will help you ahead of time.

ADLI Logistics is a third-party logistics company that offers shipping, warehousing and distribution services. We can provide you with all your supply chain and logistics requirements. For more information, fill out our contact form or call 1-877-363-7281!