Plan Ahead

The supply chain is still being disrupted

As leaders, we need to try to anticipate the things that will impact our people.

One thing we need to have on our radar is the global supply chain. Consider what you will be purchasing for your office in the next year, and try to plan ahead with increased budgets and early ordering.

• The costs for everything will be pushed up by higher fuel prices.

• The invasion of Ukraine hurts global wheat (and other grain) prices. Bread, baked goods, and other items will cost more over the next year or so.

• Disruptions for “political stunts” at the US-Mexico border may delay or damage shipments in the short-term. The fruit bowl in the break room may be missing a few items for a while.

• Covid lockdowns in China are creating global shortages in all the things manufactured in China (or that use components manufactured there). Computer chips are heavily impacted—consider ordering any new tech (computers, phones, vehicles, etc.) at least a few months before you need it.

• The shortage of truck drivers for both long-haul and “last mile” deliveries may cause delivery delays.

Over the past couple of decades, we have gotten used to “just-in-time” inventory and one-day delivery. For the next year or two, we may have to assume that things won’t work that way, and plan ahead to make sure our people have what they need when they need it.

(Photo by Caleb Ruiter on Unsplash)