The success of your small retail business directly depends on the efficiency of the supply chain.
No, seriously. Think about it. You don’t have to be a manufacturing company to feel the effects of a dysfunctional supply chain. Even if you’re a coffee store, your business can come to a standstill if you stopped receiving the beans you use to make your coffee.
This is why it’s super important to stay on top of your supply chain management. But how do you do it?
In this article, we’re sharing a couple of handy tips you can use to successfully manage your supply chain.
Keep reading!
- Understand the Consequences of Supply Chain Disruption
You might never really understand the role of the supply chain in business until there is a substantial disruption. You don’t have to look further than 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic to see the effects of a disruption to the supply chain.
At some point, only essential service providers we allowed outside, but for the most part, the supply chain broke down. There were lengthy delays in the delivery of both raw materials and finished goods, resulting in shortages across the nation.
A supply chain disruption is enough to bring your business to its knees. When you understand this, it’s easier to focus on ensuring things don’t go wrong.
- Hire a Supply Chain Manager
As a small business owner, there are important positions you need to fill as soon as the enterprise starts growing. If you’re anything like most owners, hiring a supply chain specialist isn’t one of your priorities. Yet, having this professional on your team is a supply chain management best practice.
Don’t assume that you can handle your supply chain management if you aren’t trained in the field. There’s a lot that goes into supply chain management beyond having a deal with a delivery company to keep bringing goods into your store.
With a supply chain specialist on your team, you’ll be able to identify the supply chain risks your business faces and develop mitigation strategies.
- Harness the Power of Supply Chain Technology
There are supply chain technologies that’ll help you to streamline your supply chain operations. With tech, for instance, you’ll be able to monitor your entire supply chain in real-time, meaning you can detect small issues and fix them before they morph into big challenges.
Check out these web EDI services to learn more about how tech is used in supply chain management.
- Keep Government Regulations in Mind
There are several federal and state-specific regulations that affect the supply chain. For instance, there are laws that govern the transportation of hazardous chemicals, so if you’re in the business of manufacturing such chemicals, you have to know how changing government regulations can disrupt the supply chain.
Successful Supply Chain Management Is Possible
It’s in your best interest as a business owner to practice supply chain management best practices. A breakdown anywhere along the chain can be detrimental to your business. With this guide, you now have top tips for successful supply chain management.
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