When you work with logistics, you have to be adaptable. Things go wrong, and when they do, someone needs to be clear-headed enough to sort everything out and make sure all the goods get where they need to go. Without continuity, when one little shipment gets backed up, that wrench gums up the whole works. If you work in logistics in any capacity, having a continuity plan is vital.
What Is Continuity?
To put it simply, continuity is often thought of as the flow of merchandise in logistics. When you are planning a shipment across the United States and to countries around the world, continuity is the handing off of that shipment from place to place. Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are likely to think only of the two ends of that shipment spectrum: the shipping and the receiving. However, there are several steps that happen in between those ends. The farther away the shipment must travel, the more steps there are. Continuity is getting through those steps with as few disruptions as possible.
How Disruptions Manifest in the Logistics Industry
There are so many ways that disruptions manifest in the logistics industry that you could fill a book. Risks vary depending on the business and form of logistics. Something could go wrong with computers during processing, a truck could get a flat tire or have engine failure on the road, or a shipment could be unloaded and then forgotten about until later. There could be a truck driver strike going on, a fire that occurs at a warehouse along a shipment route, or even a natural disaster. All of these items can cause confusion and delay, but it is still important to get those shipments in right on time.
The Effects of Globalization
Many countries are working with each other to get more goods and services across borders, increasing routes for those who work in the logistics industry. This is great for business, but also creates numerous challenges. As if there already were not many risks of transporting merchandise by land, but now there is also sea and air travel to worry about. With a solid continuity plan, however, globalization is possible to hurdle.
Testing Out Your Plan
When your business finally works out a good plan, it is vital to test it out and work out any wrinkles. Testing out the plan is as simple as running drills or mock emergency scenarios. Seeing how teams react and what decisions are made can highlight any problem areas that need further analysis and problem solving. Regular drills will keep your supply chain ready and able to react to any disruptions, hopefully without missing a beat. With a great plan in place, the shipment senders and receivers never know there were any problems along the way.
Businesses Need Continuity
Without continuity, supply chains would be a disaster. No one would know for sure where or if shipments would be delivered on time. The logistics industry needs dependable plans in place to handle whatever disruptions are thrown its way. If you work in the logistics industry and have yet to create a continuity plan, now is the time to do so. Remember to schedule regular drills and mock emergencies to keep your supply chain ready for anything.
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