Facing a supply chain crisis in chemical engineering. How do you decide on alternative sources?

Risk analysis and alternate source development is ok but the most important point is how proactively we are analysing this and not when we see disruption. Proactive risk assessment and strategic alignment is the key to success in supply chain.

To decide on alternative sources during a supply chain crisis in chemical engineering: 1.? ?Identify critical materials 2.? ?Assess risk and impact 3.? ?Research potential suppliers 4.? ?Evaluate quality, reliability, and lead time 5.? ?Consider nearshoring or local sourcing 6.? ?Negotiate prices and terms 7.? ?Test and qualify new sources Prioritize transparency, communication, and a thorough evaluation process to ensure a smooth transition.

Additionally, you need to be able to prevent any kinds of stock outs in the market as a result of such a crisis. This is the greatest risk in terms of business with strict competition. Where possible establish a continuity plan that covers the customer risk of changing to other products.

Through better R&D could be source alternatives. Suppliers may role better mentor in different applications in such cases. so joint meetings and coordination's required to over come in such situations

In your continuity plan you need to have had an alternative supplier who has been fully pre-qualified on the quality requirements and maintained a contact for quick response to emerging issues.

Lo ideal es tener al menos 2 proveedores por material, en su defecto si solo hay un único proveedor al menos que esté re asegure que tiene otra fábrica como plan de contingencia

A global or regional strategy should have a multi supply base approached. If you have to be sole sourced be sure that supplier has multiple suppliers and contracts in place.

"At Risk" identified materials to have multiple suppliers PO's appropriately divided as per their risk factory. Depends on Project Delivery Date Vs Cost.

Ideally, for all at-risk materials, your supply chain must be compounded with more than 1 supplier and be balanced between them. A clear call for tenders, with identified ratio, separating the first supplier to the second (to others), is a good tool to do that.

El proceso de homologación de un nuevo proveedor es a veces largo y tedioso e implican muchos recursos pero mejor hacerlo bien desde el primer momento y dedicarle la calidad necesaria Es importante que se haga bien y las pruebas que se hagan sean las necesarias para poder saber que el material entra dentro de las especificaciones

Having Preprepared Company Approved Vendor List after individual QS assessments and Quality Ratings for supplier helps and saves time

Having a quality assurance considering alternative suppliers also means an internal process to define precisely our criteria (technical drawings, tolerances, spectrophotometer measurements, which standards to respect,etc .). You can’t ask to your supplier what you don’t know on your real need.

El coste es uno de los grandes drivers a la hora de escoger un nuevo proveedor por lo que lo recomendable es tener al menos 2 o 3 en el punto de mira y en caso de poder tener los recursos y/o tecnología homologar en paralelo 2 materiales si es necesario

I agree with a balanced approach when reviewing cost from alternative suppliers. However, if an alternative supplier is higher cost then the business discussion at your company become pay more now to ensure supply or is it worth shutting a customer down?

Providing the product is critical to you coming from Asia make sure the supplier puts it on the "Fastest ship". Otherwise suppliers will put it on a ship that has multiple stops adding to the transit time.

Dependiendo del sector o material en muchas ocasiones hay proveedores por ejemplo Asiáticos que ofrecen alamacenes distribuidores o hubs europeos con un stock de seguridad para contingencias o almacenes en consigna para minimizar riesgos

Existing suppliers collaboration on key initiatives- This aspect is often overlooked when major value propositions can come from such suppliers who serve as an external set of eyes (perspectives) looking for in.

Strategic partnerships within your supply network are critical. In my experience, your partners help you address not only the problems at hand, but also proactively those not realized. Have a solid contract and cultivate that relationship ongoing with regular, focused communication and planning.

Totally agree. An additional interest to define strategic partnership is to align suppliers where you want to go. In that way, each stakeholders can evolute (growing, increasing quality performance, etc) for a common benefit. That kind of professional relationship is not only a picture of the moment’s business but also what will this business be in the future.

1. Flexibility: Working with multiple suppliers can provide more flexibility in sourcing materials and adapting to market changes. 2. Innovation: Diverse suppliers can bring new ideas and innovations that can enhance your products or services. 3. Risk Mitigation: By diversifying your supplier base, you reduce reliance on a single source, minimizing risks associated with supply disruptions. 4. Shared Goals: Focus on aligning objectives with your suppliers to foster a sense of partnership and commitment to shared success. 5. Performance Reviews: Regularly assess supplier performance to ensure standards are met and identify areas for improvement.