Top Tips for Preparing and Managing Your Supply Chain during the Winter Months
Top Tips for Preparing and Managing Your Supply Chain during the Winter Months
Bad weather can be a nightmare for shippers, developing a proactive and sustainable plan to deal with it is the best way to prepare yourself for the unexpected. The Supply Chain sector as we all know can be extremely unpredictable at times, and for that reason forecasting and planning in time is imperative when entering into a new season of the year. The winter period is a time of year that creates a lot of inconvenience for those in the logistics industry, due to the weather becoming progressively worse and ever changing, which, as a result affects lead times and long-term supply chain delivery integrity.
HSM Global have highlighted a few top tips to keep in mind as you prepare your supply chains for the upcoming Festive period.
1. Protect Your Shipments
If you are shipping freight that requires temperature control or sensitive parts, be aware that in each mode of transport, you may not receive protection from storms, high winds and sub-zero temperatures. When pre-planning shipment routings, checking for bad weather, temperature predictions and storms are key to ensure protection of your freight and no delays.
2. Manage Your Time
As a result of the sub Christmas panic and rush, most shippers are looking for same day and next day deliveries in all industries. When possible, provide sufficient lead time on movements and ensure alternative options are put in place in the event of unforeseen weather conditions.
In addition to time management, it is imperative that there is transparency with your customers. Be sure to manage your customers’ expectations and correctly inform them of potential delays that may arise throughout the winter period. Think outside of the box, be flexible and be willing to provide new solutions.
3. Monitor Weather
When route planning or tracking live shipments, you should monitor the weather in the areas along the route, and also the final destination. While weather reports are not always completely accurate, being up to date on weather patterns will help your team plan for any potential delays.
Your team should always be on standby to find an alternate shipping route if needed, especially with time critical shipments.
4. Communication
Staying in contact with clients and providing them with full transparency in regards to their shipments is key for success in the Supply Chain industry. Keeping everyone in the loop will create trust and allow customers crucial time to adjust for any hold ups.
Also, be sure to have clear channels of communication open for all employees, as your team will need to make quick decisions if bad weather arises and you need to change routes.
Supply chain schedules must be adjustable in order to survive the winter season.
Interested in how HSM Global can provide a solution to tailor your needs this Winter? Contact us today. info@hsmglobal.co.uk +44 (0) 1403 269403