As already known, global supply chains have been severely affected by the corona pandemic. Results of the recent BME Logistics Survey 2020 “Risk Management in Supply Chains” showed that out of five companies, four have supply problems. The reason for this poor rate is a lack of preparation for a pandemic situation. Not even 30 percent of all companies have planned a pandemic as an independent risk scenario. Of these, only one in four companies has worked out solutions for their own supply chains.<\/p>\n
Now the question remains whether the pandemic hit us so suddenly that companies were unable to prepare for such a scenario. BME logistics expert Carsten Knauer answers: “No, because in the 21st century there have already been numerous epidemics and also pandemics”. <\/p>\n
For example, the bird flu in 2004 or SARS from 2002 to 2003. As early as 2012, the Federal Ministry, together with the Robert Koch Institute, investigated the scenario “Pandemic caused by virus Modi-SARS”. Prof. Michael Huth from Fulda University of Applied Sciences explains: “The correspondence of the scenario with the current situation is striking.<\/p>\n
Thomas M\u00f6llers, Head of Logistics, Customs and Foreign Trade, appeals to top managers to focus on the flexibility of purchasing and logistics in order to be able to counteract risks. “Opinion prevails there: Purchasing and logistics can handle it,” he continues. <\/p>\n
Not only should the importance of these departments increase, but risk management should also show transparency up to Tier-n levels. All suppliers in the associated supply chains should be known so that they can act more quickly in the event of a failure. It is also recommended to source suppliers from different regions.<\/p>\n