Businesses are Looking to Create Nimbler Supply Chains

The COVID-19 pandemic created many problems for supply chains worldwide. Supply chains face reduced access to raw materials, a lack of workforce, and changing consumer demand. A new study by Seagull Scientific discusses how certain companies within the supply chain industry are meeting demand by creating nimbler supply chains and hiring diverse teams.

Supply Chains and the Pandemic

The survival of supply chain networks is dependent on new technologies and hiring a skilled and diverse workforce capable of utilizing these technologies to their maximum efficiency. However, not many companies are ready to address the issue of hiring a skilled workforce and investing in new tech. As governments continue to update their safety regulations worldwide, an agile framework is essential for maintaining mandatory requirements and quickly updating your network as needed.

Businesses need to streamline production, improve data management, enhance product traceability, and scale efficiently.

Challenges to adopting these new technologies include a lack of trained workforce, fear that changing to a new system will be too costly or a general lack of resources to adopt these technologies. Without adopting these systems, many companies will fall out of the competition and be unable to compete in the years ahead.

Diversification

Seagull Scientific, the creator of BarTender, surveyed industry experts to understand the challenges they face and the trends they anticipate as we enter 2022. “Diverse perspectives- especially those of women- make it easier for companies to challenge legacy-driven mindsets and adopt new automated technologies,” Diversification is key to anticipating solutions within the industry and launching creative initiatives.

Without diversity at all levels, opportunities for growth and structural improvement may be lost.  Diversification of your workforce and suppliers can also improve your brand’s public perception and attract new skilled workers and opportunities for business.

How to Retain Women in Supply Chains

Previous studies of women in supply chain environments have shown that women are more likely to collaborate and cooperate with their suppliers and peers and are less driven by self-interest and opportunism. These behavioral propensities make women in management positions more likely to see the bigger picture and notice opportunities for improvement. Retaining women at all levels is essential for diversification.

With the Great Resignation decreasing the workforce more than ever before, your company must invest in employee value propositions (EVPs) to attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce. Invest in DEI initiatives, offer opportunities for growth and professional development, and try to express the greater purpose of your organization.

Improve the perception of women in the supply chain by highlighting women in your current company and their diverse roles. Offer the right benefits to encourage a healthy work-life balance for all of your employees. Work from home opportunities as well as healthcare, mental health, and maternity benefits are highly desired benefits in the 2022 workforce.

As you hire more women, be sure to have clear career paths set up as well as training and professional development opportunities to retain these skilled employees. Implement mid-career retention strategies, so you don’t lose your industry experts.

The future of supply chain networks depends on the diversification of workforces and the implementation of new technologies. Supply chains need to become nimble and more agile to quickly and efficiently respond to future unforeseen events and economic upsets.