Given the uncertainty of the situation, communication is vital. It’s essential for businesses to provide regular updates so that customers and suppliers alike are informed, secure and prepared for change.
Changing demand and erratic customer demands will be difficult to forecast. Large volume changes will impact pricing, costs and inventory.
Establishing effective methods of cash collection and adjusting terms of payment will be essential for minimising the financial impact if credit insurance is withdrawn. Close monitoring is needed across areas like online sales, inventory management, distribution formats and servicing the vulnerable safely.
Forecasting and mitigating supplier risk around financial and operational failure can ensure supply chain resilience and efficient operation. Replacing imported products with your own domestic version, where possible, can help reduce import challenges, while identifying essential versus discretionary spend with suppliers and choosing where to prioritise payments will protect liquidity.
Communicating with your customers and suppliers is vital, so that they know about any changes to your business and they understand that you are prepared for and able to respond to the changing environment. Think how communications can be delivered to customers and suppliers about changes to the business, the decisions you are having to make and how you are reacting to COVID-19.
Identify issues that might impact your suppliers and customers, and consider what the ramifications might be. How will the situation impact your business specifically?
Quickly develop top-down, high-level options and tie your strategic and tactical decisions into those choices to ensure synergy. What are your specific priorities?
Once the market is more stable, take time to think through potential ‘aftershocks’ for your business from the COVID-19 outbreak. How can you plan for these and will you have the working capital to ramp up your business when activity picks back up?
“Our clients are part of a network that includes them, their customers and their suppliers. In turbulent times it’s even more important to plan and work in alignment with both to meet all the networks’ needs.”
Alan Dale, Partner
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Supply chain resilience is key during the COVID-19 situation. We list steps you can take to get support from suppliers.
