Overcoming Unpredictability: A Roundtable on Supply Chain Resilience
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Manufacturers are increasingly facing critical supply chain disruptions, from large-scale geopolitical conflicts and climate change-fuelled natural disasters to trade wars. These challenges directly impact factory operations, causing unexpected shortages of spare parts that can halt production lines.
EU Automation hosted a roundtable to tackle the urgent need for innovative solutions to supply chain disruptions. Leading supply chain experts were invited to share their insights, firsthand experiences and valuable perspectives on navigating these disruptions:
Rob Thurston
Head of Purchasing, Logistics & Compliance, SPP PUMPS
LinkedIn: / rob-thurston
Website: https://bit.ly/3Lyd259
Rob has been on the frontlines of purchases and supply chain management. He has in-depth experience in the automotive, rail, distribution and manufacturing industries. Rob's takeaway from the roundtable discussion: "Disruption in the supply chain is a constant, so keep an open mind to the challenges and find opportunities."
Amy Xue
Head Of Supply Chain at Dishman Carbogen Amcis (Europe) Ltd.
LinkedIn: / amy-xue-70288267
Website: https://bit.ly/4fejqvM
Amy is an expert in running international collaborations for the complex procurement of the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industry. Her takeaway from the roundtable discussion was: "Embrace the challenges of the ever-changing business environment."
Ana-Maria Velica
Founder, Green Apples Career
LinkedIn: / anamaria333
"Put people first," advocates Ana. With two decades of experience in supply chain management for large corporations, Ana encourages all decision-makers to find, nurture and train the best talent.
Georgie Frost
Finance Journalist and Podcaster, host of the EU Automation Roundtable
LinkedIn: / georgie-frost-a1b090110
An award-winning journalist and podcaster, Georgie's rich portfolio includes content for Times Money Mentor and she is a regular contributor to TalkTV, Times Radio and the BBC.
The panellists' insights underscore the complexity of modern supply chains. As Rob Thurston noted, "It's difficult for an engineer to put together a solution in isolation," highlighting the restrictions often placed by purchasing and room for engineers to have more autonomy, emphasising the importance of collaboration and shared expertise.
Recent conflict was discussed and how government involvement during these times can result in further complications, challenges and cost implications: “Government involvement in business decisions can be very disruptive," prompting a crucial discussion on whether such involvement is hindering progress.
Another challenge companies are facing post-pandemic is a shortage in skilled labour. Ana Maria Velica weighed in on this issue: “Money is not everything, a title is not everything and people are less focused on having a full time job, in a major company with a fancy title and care more about flexible working. By the time they (companies) invest in a skilled workforce, they lose that workforce.”
Rob Thurston emphasised a critical challenge in supply chain management: “The pressures on maintenance staff are huge in terms of carrying stock. You’re spending the company’s cash and if it’s sat there and not being used, it’s idle cash. There’s a lot of pressure not to hold stock so therefore, the reliable supply of parts, on time, when you need them, where you need them, and the correct quality, is absolutely vital.”
Underscoring the delicate balance maintenance teams must strike between maintaining sufficient inventory and managing costs. Therefore, the ability to reliably source and receive quality parts precisely when and where they are needed is essential for maintaining smooth operations and profitability.
This is where reliable suppliers like EU Automation become invaluable. By ensuring the swift, global delivery of high-quality automation and process control equipment, EU Automation helps manufacturers avoid the pitfalls of both overstocking and understocking.
About EU Automation
EU Automation specialises in the procurement of essential components required to keep the manufacturing world turning. Their international distribution centres, dedicated account management and customer support teams make sourcing and supplying critical parts easier than ever before. To learn more about their services and how they can support manufacturers during challenging times, visit EU Automation.
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