The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges to supply chain networks across the world. Decrease in access to raw materials, changing safety regulations, lack of workforce, and economic fluctuations seriously tested the resiliency of supply chains globally. Seagull Scientific, creators of BarTender, conducted a recent survey that uncovered the trends supply chain leaders are utilizing to create nimbler and more resilient networks.

Why Technical Transformation is Necessary

As the pandemic forced many businesses to turn to digital solutions to stay competitive, new software development that can improve workflow efficiencies has transformed how business can be done. Supply chains must stay up to date on the latest technologies in the industry to remain competitive and meet consumer demand despite global challenges. Seagull Scientific surveyed industry professionals who cited “new supply chain technologies -labeling technologies like 22D barcodes, RAIN RFID, and digital watermarking tools- are key to streamlining product lifecycle management in today’s supply chains.” New technologies and workflow software can streamline your day-to-day and help your network stay flexible.

Diversification is Key

Not only is the adaptation of new software and technology necessary, but hiring a skilled workforce capable of fully utilizing these tools is essential for success. Experts in the field surveyed by Seagull Scientific stated, “Businesses are investing significantly in training and culture initiatives that help foster diverse and inclusive workplaces.” DEI initiatives are becoming more and more popular across the supply chain industry to attract and retain a diverse workforce that can bring new perspectives and insights to their company. Creativity and innovative thinking are essential at all levels of a company to recognize opportunities for efficiencies and new ideas. A particularly underrepresented group is women in supply chain networks. Not only do women have behavioral propensities towards collaboration and cooperation, but research shows women provide an advantage in supply chain efficiency.

Strategies for Retention

Hiring a diverse and skilled workforce can be challenging without offering various employee value propositions (EVPs) that are competitive and geared towards retention. Companies utilize various competitive initiatives to attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce.

  • DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives can help attract diverse job applicants. Showcase workplace diversity at all levels of business to encourage diverse job applicants to join your workforce.
  • Health benefits are crucial to attracting competitive employees. Mental health benefits, generous PTO, extended maternity leave, etc., are just a few offerings that the most in-demand companies offer to build their workforce.
  • Work-from-home opportunities are a fantastic benefit to offer to your employees if possible. Working from home has been shown to improve employee productivity and can encourage a better work-life balance. Adapting to new technologies and allowing those who can work from home to operate remotely can create many opportunities for efficiency.
  • Mid-career retention strategies and professional development opportunities are vital to retaining your skilled and experienced workers. Offer regular opportunities for advancement and promotion as well as access to learning and training resources that can help your employees innovate in the workplace and advance their knowledge of the industry.

Supply chains need to become nimbler and more flexible in order to remain resilient. Adapting new technologies and hiring a diverse, skilled workforce is essential to creating a network that can withstand unexpected challenges and stay competitive.

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