The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in ways no one has ever imagined. Face-to-face interactions were limited, and businesses were forced to close temporarily.
These changes come with different sets of challenges, some of them even devastating. For businesses, it means revamping strategies to survive.
If you own or manage a business, you know that logistics is a crucial consideration. Take a look at the logistical factors that matter in your business and how you can handle them as the world transitions to the so-called “new normal.”
Handling Logistics in the New Normal
Inventories
Many enterprises struggled with low inventory levels and supplies during the crisis. Consumers started panic-buying upon the news of a possible lockdown, resulting in empty grocery aisles and shelves.
For this reason, it becomes crucial to manage your inventory well. A warehouse inventory management system can help you monitor your items efficiently, preventing insufficient supply.
Having safety buffers like high inventory levels is crucial during a crisis, too. Consider using an inventory management system for tracking your inventory and increasing your inventory levels to be better prepared for the future.
Supply Chains
In times of crisis, stretched supply chains also come with several disadvantages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses saw how stretched supply chains could break at any point.
When this happens, it disrupts the delivery of goods, creating a domino effect. Businesses are hurt, and consumers are forced to either wait or be resourceful.
To prevent this problem in the new normal, you have to reduce your dependency on a single source of supply. This is especially important for crucial industries like pharmaceuticals.
Consider sourcing your supplies from multiple manufacturers that offer the same quality. Also, start investing in resources that shortens the supply chain, and delivers the merchandise the soonest possible time.
Transport
Transportation also has a pivotal role to play in the supply chain. During the pandemic, getting goods from Point A to Point B, the quickest time possible, has been especially important.
For instance, personal protective equipment, medicines, and sanitation supplies needed to reach hospitals and establishments immediately. It’s no secret that many suppliers encountered difficulties delivering these items due to several factors, including fleet and vehicle shortage.
The challenges involving transportation in the past months call for significant changes in the future. This means enhancements in responsiveness where technology can be used to your advantage.
An inventory management system can also be beneficial when it comes to this as it provides increased visibility. By leveraging this technology, you can pinpoint inefficiencies and manage uncertainties.
Technology Integration
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital shift of businesses, organizations, and communities. Remote working suddenly became the new norm, and it is expected to stay even when the crisis is over.
As this new arrangement dominates today’s working landscape, companies may find a workflow management system valuable. Such technology helps businesses establish a time-efficient and effective way to streamline workers, systems, and processes.
As a result, the team’s productivity remains robust despite the absence of face-to-face interactions and a physical working environment. Put simply, by maximizing such technology, you can emerge as a big winner of this crisis.
Workforce
The demand for online shopping has increased due to stay-at-home orders. This means there is more work to be done but more tired workers as well.
Keeping the workforce streamlined and efficient is often a challenge in times of crisis. Business owners and managers need to monitor not only their employees’ productivity levels but stress levels, too.
To make this possible, you need to have effective communication with your workforce and boost their morale. Remember that many people struggle with motivation and mental health during this time, and keeping high morale doesn’t come easy.
It is also extremely crucial to keep your employees safe by providing them with necessary protection like hand gloves and face masks. Also, consider hiring new employees to help your current workforce.
The COVID-19 crisis pushed business owners and decision-makers to devise creative solutions to cope with the pandemic’s impact. Many realized the value of having safety buffers, leveraging technology, and preparing ahead.
As the world slowly embraces the new normal, it is essential to consider all critical business factors, including logistics. By putting necessary safeguards and preparing ahead, you can better manage any crisis in the future.
Are you looking for an inventory management system or workflow automation tool for your logistics in the new normal? Talk to our team today to know more about our technology solutions.
