Manufacturing supply chains continue to grow more complex and are likely to now include suppliers from locations across the world. While it’s beneficial to have access to these suppliers in order to select the best possible products, a complex supply chain that includes many suppliers from multiple locations can also pose challenges. For example, what if an important supplier in the chain is unable to produce due to unplanned machine or labor issues? 
These challenges can cause major disruptions, which is something that can negatively impact business operations and profitability. However, disruptions can easily be fixed!
To fix a supply chain disruption, it’s necessary to be proactive and follow these 3 steps:
Review and Measure Data
Today’s supply chain practitioner must have access to accurate, up to the minute data at all times. Data gathering methods such as sharing spreadsheets or emails across organizations are outdated. Today’s manufacturing facility must be “a connected factory”, within its own shop floor and with all suppliers. Utilizing the cloud, every facility should be able to see what’s happening in real time so that managers can spot the early warning signs of a potential supply disruption.
Review Your Options
Utilizing data to spot a potential supply chain disruption is only the first step. Next, it’s necessary to determine what needs to happen to address the problem. Sharing data across suppliers not only allows you to notice the cause of the disruption but also informs you as to what your alternative options may be. For example, if you notice that one component is missing, can it be seamlessly replaced somewhere else within the supply chain? It’s worthwhile to invest in a “what-if” planning tool that can be integrated with the data to quickly determine the best course of action.
Collaborate with Your Network
A supply chain is just that, a chain, which means that each “link”, or supplier, must be working together. No matter where the initial issue arises, it’s going to affect the entire chain. To resolve the issue, communication among the network is key. It’s not just the end user that determines what the course of action will be, every supplier in the chain must have a say and understand the actions they must take and properly complete those actions. Again, this is why it’s necessary for all members of the supply chain to have access to the same real-time data.
A supply chain disruption is often a part of doing business, however by taking these steps the issues can be spotted quickly in order to eliminate or mitigate the disruption. For more information about this, please contact Fishman Corporation.