You're facing supply delays that disrupt your scheduling. How do you ensure your operations stay on track?

When I faced supply delays, I tackled them by first assessing the problem broadly and narrowly—understanding both the supply chain and specific production issues. I used buffer stocks to keep operations going and communicated clearly with suppliers, my team, and buyers to manage expectations. I explored alternative suppliers and worked out temporary solutions. Developing contingency plans and monitoring KPIs for production and resources were crucial. Throughout, I ensured safety, discipline, and strong work culture to maintain smooth operations.

In my experience, it's better to have more of the high priority raw material on ground i.e. having excess could go a long way in cushioning the effect of sudden lack of raw material for production.

To handle supply delays and keep operations on track, identify alternative suppliers and expedite critical orders. Adjust production schedules to prioritize urgent tasks and communicate delays to stakeholders. Implement buffer stocks where possible, and optimize workflows to minimize disruption. Regularly review and update contingency plans to adapt to future delays.

Such kind of wastages within the supply chain are easily fore-solved through a long term strategic approach. Periodic vendor pre-qualification and only award tenders to the best performers in terms of lead times; entering into strict service level agreement with suppliers that defines the lead times and measures to be taken in cases of non-compliance. Also, on time market surveillance is critical as this guarantees knowledge on product dynamics in relations to supply and demand and geo-political effects on supply.

When faced with supplier delay on scheduled production process, then that calls for highest level of supply chain professionalism when it comes to lead time. First do an analysis of how long the delay will take and how it will cost the organization and after which you reschedule production but increase production level to compensate on the delay cost. This is to maximize production and profitability.

When it comes to inventory control, this calls for effective book keeping to ensure that you have enough supplies at all times i.e maintaining minimum stock levels.Inventory control also ensure that goods are well kept and maintaining the quality standards at all times.

Communication is a crucial aspect on supply chain as all stakeholders have to be involved, the user, the supplier and the procurement professional. With coordination, then there will be effective procurement.