COVID-19 Supply Chain Resources & Recovery Strategies

COLLABORATING WITH COMPETITORS: GROCERY SECTOR HAS IT IN THE BAG

Grocery stores worked swiftly to address the challenges brought on by COVID restrictions, adjusting their approach to managing inventory, stocking shelves, and servicing customers.

Working to balance the uncertainty of the supply with the increase in demand, grocery stores re-examined their lean supply chain strategy. Across the board, they promptly worked with their logistics partners to implement a collaborative effort, aligning supply strategies with demand requirements.

As the direct point of contact for the consumer, grocery stores took a leadership position in collaborating with supply chain stakeholders to ensure high-demand items were at the right place at the right time. This cooperative effort was a carefully orchestrated symphony of moving parts from manufacturing, to delivery, to placing the goods on the shelves.

In addition to working in tandem with the supply chain community, grocery stores worked with their local communities to create a safe shopping experience. Many stores implemented one-way shopping aisles, sanitizing protocols, and plexi-glass barriers, and allowed a reduced number of people in the store. They also introduced or enhanced the option of online ordering and curbside, contactless pickup.

One key takeaway for the industry is that we need to build supply chains as well as business models that are designed to be agile and flexible, bending as the challenges and opportunities present themselves.

The grocery store sector's ability and openness to working cooperatively with its supply chain partners should be considered one of the greatest examples of collaboration between manufacturers, motor carriers, and retailers, which will have both short-term and long-term impact on all parties. We, as an industry, need to work toward building a stronger supply chain, comprised of collaborative partnerships.

The value of the concept of collaborating with competitors in the name of supply chain fluidity was brought to life by the grocery store sector and its logistics partners.

—Mike Wilson, CEO, Consolidated Chassis Management