What's your strategy for unexpected logistics delays?

Avoir un compte ouvert chez tous les concurrents locaux de vos fournisseurs internationaux (si ces derniers sont moins chers, avec une meilleure qualité). Lors du transit time vous pouvez avoir des imprévus, aussi bien avoir le transporteur qu'avec la douane. C'est à ce moment qu'il faut activer le plan B.

When addressing contingencies arising from logistical delays, several factors merit consideration: 1. Diversify Routes: Utilize multiple routes or dynamic route mapping. 2. Stockholding Strategies: Reevaluate safety stock principles, increasing buffer stock and revising reorder levels. 3. Strengthen Local Networks: Foster collaborations with local business leaders and trading associations, enabling mutual assistance. 4. Temporary Solutions: Offer homogeneous or alternative commodities as interim measures. 5. Early Communication: If delays are anticipated and highly likely, provide early notifications to customers. 6. Regulatory Advocacy: Engage with relevant authorities if delays stem from regulatory issues.

Plan the unexpected In logistics, unexpected delays are part of uncertainty of outcomes. I would like to insist on the Identification. Great risk identification has helped to minimising the costs and disruption to the logistics caused by unexpected events. The first step is to understand the most common causes of shipping delays by reviewing most common reasons for the delays: Road Conditions, Shipping Documentation, Lack of Visibility, Weather, Equipment Failure, Ineffective Transportation Planning, Insufficient Carrier Capacity, Lost Freight, Failed Deliveries

My strategy for unexpected logistics delays involves swift communication, alternative solutions, and a focus on minimizing impact. We prioritize transparency, assess root causes, and implement contingency plans to keep operations running smoothly. Continuous improvement and post-event evaluation are key for future resilience.

Planing for contingency can be classified as different level of risk. Like a short delay in trucking or shipping schedule. There are different way that it could be mitigated by re-routing or having backup last mile service provider. However in a prolong delay like war or COVID like situation, realignment of supply chain would useable. This may involved having to source from various countries to diversify the risk of supply chain failure. This can be managed through order management capabilities provided by logistic servicer provider like DHL to balance out the need for internal manpower cost.

Although we start to see technological advancements in the Logistics space, at its core, its still a human centric business. Being upfront and transparent is the name of the game. Furthermore, it's a smart move to seek stakeholders opinions, thoughts, and support during such times. Collaboration can bring fresh perspectives to the table. We might stumble upon solutions or strategies we hadn't thought of on our own. But it's not just about solving the current problem. This approach has long-term benefits too. It builds trust among our partners and strengthens our relationships. By being transparent about challenges and our efforts to overcome them, we demonstrate our responsibility.

Get ahead of the delay and select Vendors that have real time GPS tracking 100% of the time. Use a good TMS that will alert you as soon as a load is in danger - it's not yet late but could be. Communicate with your team and share the tools with them, how critical is that load, while every load is important, it is key not to escalate the issue every time something goes wrong. Save the escalations for the times you really need them. Create a feedback loop between your vendor solution and your customer/delivery point, trust your drivers or dispatchers ability to manage performance before you have to step in. Build trust with your team.

Building strong relationships and transparency with your suppliers, carriers and customers is the key to mitigating late deliveries. Good communication between all parties along the way ensures that everyone can be made aware of any unforeseen delays as soon as possible and can act accordingly.

Building strong partnerships with service providers (carriers, forwarders, customs brokers, etc.) during good times can really pay off when trouble happens. If we have established strong operating procedures and communication with our partners, we can see and respond more quickly to potential delays. Good partners will offer options and help us identify the best solution.

I couldn't agree more, keeping open lines of communication with key participants in the supply chain helps to increase trust and reliability while providing an open source for possible solutions to mitigate further damage to the situation at hand and futuristic measures to implement in the foreseeable future to avoid such delays.

Logistics delays are a common challenge for supply chain and logistics operations, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty. There are many factors that can cause logistics delays, such as weather, traffic, demand, or disruptions. To deal with logistics delays, I would suggest the following strategy: - Plan for the unexpected. Prepare risk assessments across the logistics network, and be ready to act on alternate scenarios if necessary. - Reduce surface area and eliminate exposure to risk. Increase transport planning lead times, and reassess network resilience and agility - Manage logistics continuity across six key areas: crew, capacity, collaboration, cost, community, and customer.

Applying some lean concept such as Value Stream Mapping identifies waste in our logistic processes and opportunities for eliminating them, hence increasing efficiency. Examples include; - Waste of Inventory - Waste of Packaging und Transportation - Waste of time - Waste of Space and Facilities - Waste of knowledge Identifying activities that create value in the eyes of the customer after knowing what the customer needs by conducting for example "a complete Voice of the customer Analysis" will help minimise waste and increase efficiency We shouldn't forget, between every phase in the Logistic Process there are bound to be Delays, unless their Root Cause are known, eliminated and monitored thereafter the process will remain inefficient

In today's intricate global supply chains, manual monitoring of logistics risks is increasingly challenging. It's essential to leverage Artificial Intelligence for this role. Advanced applications now provide real-time risk assessment. While events like natural disasters or terrorist activities might remain unforeseen, many disruptions are detectable early on with AI. For instance, the Russia-UK tension began escalating in mid-2021, yet many in supply chain oversight overlooked these initial indicators. With AI's prowess in news analysis, it can detect potential disruptions in their nascent stages. This capability is crucial for businesses to foresee, prepare for, and navigate the evolving global landscape

KPIs to track down the time frame between one point to the other and on different lines will be very useful when recommending one route for specific business. However the customers satisfaction surveys should be performed at least 3 weeks after the event so customer be able to provide full logic feedback and not in an emotional level. That allows to correctly address the key-points visible from our customers focus.

Monitoring can be at real time as well as retrospective, again depending on how critical the shipment is. Use of tracking technologies minimize manhours spent. Besides, control tower platforms are great assets to monitor all aspects of logistics simultaneously.

If it's short term and will affect the destination side badly, I would support this area with some fast deliveries either by using expensive shipping option or closer location supplier. It's subject to the cost due to the delay versus the solution cost. If it's a long term thing, I would start with a data analysis project for previous loads and take it from there to optimize the delivery process.

To deal with logistics delays, I would suggest other strategies: - Manage logistics continuity across six key areas: crew, capacity, collaboration, cost, community, and customer. These areas cover the most important aspects of logistics operations, such as labor, transportation, partnerships, budget, communication, and customer satisfaction. - Use supply chain visibility tools to monitor the status of shipments, identify potential bottlenecks, and communicate proactively with stakeholders. Supply chain visibility can help you anticipate and mitigate delays, as well as improve your decision making and responsiveness.

Once we have placed controls and contingency plans for the known delay causes that could occur, we are left with the unknown risks. Shall they appear, our ultimate goal will be to learn from these, settle new controls for the future and mitigate those as much as possible to avoid them affecting our operations once again ahead. Typically this requieres updating internal SOP’s.

Not every action taken is the correct approach. There are often times you'll think back and reflect on what could be done better, or at its core, what can I do or should have done to prevent this delay from happening. By adopting and cultivating an always learning mindset can lead to personal and professional growth, increased adaptability in a rapidly changing world, and a deeper sense of fulfillment as individuals continuously strive to better themselves and their understanding of the complex logistics world.

Reflecting on past logistics delays and their resolutions can provide valuable insights into your supply chain's strengths and weaknesses. Consider conducting regular post-incident reviews and using the data and feedback gathered to implement proactive measures, optimize processes, and increase the overall resilience of your supply chain. In an ever-changing business environment, adaptability and continuous improvement are key to minimizing the impact of logistics delays and ensuring a smoother, more efficient supply chain.

1. Communicate with all stakeholders. 2. Plan for contingencies: Have a contingency plan in place for unexpected delays. 3. Audit logistics processes. 4. Automate processes. 5. Use data analytics: Use data analytics to track and analyze performance metrics such as delivery times, inventory levels, and transit times. 6. Build strong relationships: Building strong relationships with suppliers, carriers, and other logistics partners can help to improve communication and collaboration. 7. Continuous improvement: Implement continuous improvement initiatives to continuously improve logistics processes and reduce delays. This could include process improvement, staff training, and technological upgrades.

There are many unforeseen delays in logistics as below: Bad Weather Conditions,Port Congestion,Route Traffic, Lacking of Document Unavailability of Transport & Vehicle Labour Strike, Etc. No one could predict this delay in advance. So first of all every party related to materials or machineries or goods related to ongoing logistics operation should be well concerned about that there might be a delay. So that every party could be ready for alternatives. So what should be our action when delay occured? The answer is simple 1. Prior Analysis weather forecast. 2. Route Analysis 3. Transparent Documentation 4. Trying to speed up others related process. 5. Conversion of type of Shipment like Sea to Air,Partial Delivery instead of full.

Logistics outages are an unfortunate reality for businesses, however, by following a number of practices for managing logistics disruptions, businesses can mitigate risks, ensure business continuity, and build a more resilient and agile supply chain. By identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities, building strong relationships with suppliers, utilising technology, establishing effective contingency plans, and conducting regular testing and training, businesses can better withstand disruptions and emerge stronger in the face of adversity.

Communicate with customers. ... Evaluate all critical components of the supply chain. ... Estimate available inventory. ... Assess buyer behaviors. ... Optimize production and distribution capacity for safety. ... Identify logistics flexibilities. ... Evaluate cash flow impact.

Some useful Steps that may help : 1. Communicate with your customers 2. Offer free shipping 3. Shipment tracking 4. Partner with domestic suppliers 5. Provide offers and discounts