Organizational supply chain management activities and responses
Using the Winter Storm Scenario, please consider for your (downtown located) organizational supply chain management activities and responses.
Based upon what you have been able to find out, Saint Leo City did activate an Incident Command, but not until well into the week of the ice storm. Also, you never received any feedback on the water that your organization provided prior to the storm actually hitting. In fact, you realize that you have received no communication via the incident command and don't even know if there are planning meetings. You know that with your supply chain expertise, you could really help in the Logistics Branch.
What do you think Saint Leo City could have done better to prepare? What would you do differently? When would you start these recommendations?
For this discussion, we will use a realistic inbound Winter Storm Scenario like the events in Texas in 2021. Each scenario/discussion will provide an update to the information and some topics for discussion. Please answer accordingly and for your (downtown located) organizational supply chain management activities and responses.
Tuesday, 8:00 AM – As the day begins, 1 inch of ice remains underneath the snow covering. Several major roads have been cleared, but most secondary roads remain impassable. Most businesses remain closed, including many gas stations, banks, and grocery stores. Many cell towers were damaged during the storm and phone service remains spotty. Saint Leo Utility Co. Is still overwhelmed; so much of the infrastructure- power lines and poles- is damaged that they estimate it may be a week or more to completely restore power to all affected areas. You are not able to assess your facility to determine if there has been any damage.
Based upon this update, how have your concerns changed? Do you have any new concerns? What information are you sharing with your employees? How are you now communicating this information? Are you trying to locate or account for all employees? How? Do you now have redundant systems or plans of communication if the primary method does not work? Is anyone working on-site? How do you communicate with them? How do you communicate those on-site issues and resolve them? Your organization has multiple locations and some are functional outside the affected area. How would you continue operations in those areas?
Sample Solution
Impact on Supply Chain Management Activities
The ongoing winter storm is having a significant impact on our organization's supply chain management activities. With several major roads closed and many businesses shuttered, our ability to receive and distribute goods is severely hampered. Additionally, the lack of power in many areas is preventing us from operating our facilities and coordinating with our suppliers.
Full Answer Section
Key Concerns- Product Availability: Our ability to obtain essential goods and materials is severely limited due to transportation disruptions and business closures.
- Distribution Challenges: Delivering products to our customers is proving difficult due to road closures and logistical hurdles.
- Communication Disruptions: The lack of reliable phone service is making it challenging to communicate with our suppliers, customers, and employees.
- Employee Safety and Well-being: We are concerned about the safety and well-being of our employees who are unable to travel to work or are experiencing power outages at home.
Information Sharing and Communication Strategies
- Regular Updates: We are providing regular updates to our employees via email, text messages, and social media platforms.
- Alternative Communication Channels: We are utilizing alternative communication channels, such as walkie-talkies, to stay in touch with employees who are working on-site.
- Employee Accountability: We are attempting to locate and account for all employees through check-in procedures and communication channels.
- Redundant Communication Systems: We are exploring the implementation of redundant communication systems to ensure uninterrupted communication during future disruptions.
On-Site Operations
- Limited On-Site Presence: We are limiting the number of employees working on-site to essential personnel only.
- Communication with On-Site Employees: We are maintaining communication with on-site employees through walkie-talkies, satellite phones, and in-person interactions.
- Addressing On-Site Issues: We are prioritizing the resolution of on-site issues that pose safety or operational risks.
Continuity of Operations in Functional Locations
- Leveraging Functional Locations: We are utilizing our functional locations outside of the affected area to maintain business continuity.
- Prioritizing Essential Activities: We are prioritizing essential activities to ensure the delivery of critical goods and services.
- Adapting to Changing Circumstances: We are continuously monitoring the situation and adapting our plans accordingly.
Recommendations for Saint Leo City
- Early Activation of Incident Command: Saint Leo City should have activated its Incident Command System earlier in the week to better coordinate response efforts.
- Enhanced Communication with Stakeholders: Saint Leo City should have proactively communicated with businesses and organizations to provide updates and identify potential needs.
- Improved Resource Planning and Coordination: Saint Leo City should have developed a more comprehensive plan for resource allocation and coordination among various agencies.
- Enhanced Public Awareness and Preparation: Saint Leo City should have provided clearer guidance and resources to help residents prepare for the storm's impact.
Recommendations for Our Organization
- Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience: We should evaluate our supply chain network and identify potential vulnerabilities to improve resilience against future disruptions.
- Enhance Emergency Preparedness Plans: We should refine our emergency preparedness plans to ensure a more effective response to future crises.
- Develop Redundant Supply Chain Strategies: We should explore alternative supply chain routes and suppliers to reduce reliance on single-source providers.
- Invest in Communication Infrastructure: We should invest in upgrading our communication infrastructure to ensure reliable communication during emergencies.
Timing of Recommendations
It is never too early to implement these recommendations. By proactively addressing these areas, Saint Leo City and our organization can better prepare for and respond to future disruptions, minimizing their impact on our operations and the community.