Supply chain disruptions continue to cause challenges for businesses around the world. Unprecedented material shortages, labor crises, and overly congested ports are making it difficult for companies to keep up with growing consumer demand. As executives look for ways to increase supply chain resiliency for 2022 and beyond, demand planning will be an important tool. If we have learned anything from the hiccups caused by the pandemic, it is that businesses must proactively plan for any and every scenario.
What is Demand Planning?
Demand planning is the process of analyzing sales trends as well as consumer behaviors to optimize a business’s profitability, efficiency, and ability to forecast and meet customer needs. It is an integral part of a successful supply chain and should be a routine process for every business. Effective demand planning can allow a company to predict what is to come and align its staffing, inventories, and other resources to meet the predicted demand.
As we look at supply chain industry predictions for 2022, we can expect numerous key trends to continue:
- Trucking industry shortages
- Ongoing retail/e-commerce disruptions
- Advancing supply chain technologies
As businesses plan around these trends, certain tactics and technologies can help them adapt to challenges and remain competitive in the evolving marketplace:
- Autonomous trucking is on the rise internationally to assist manufacturers and logistics companies move more products as the truck driver shortage remains a concern.
- Upgrades to a company’s distribution network can help mitigate disruptions and facilitate adaptation to the changing economy.
- Supply chain artificial intelligence can help businesses streamline processes, improve productivity, and provide greater output to meet growing demand.
- Ensuring that third-party logistics service providers are up to speed on the most up-to-date supply chain practices and processes can also help businesses plan for growing demand.
Manufacturers are also incorporating sustainable and “smart” technologies to optimize their supply chains. iGPS plastic pallets are lightweight, recyclable, and incorporate RFID technology, making them traceable and readable by automated systems.
It is anticipated that the recent variant-fueled COVID-19 surge will exacerbate ongoing supply chain disruptions — particularly when it comes to goods exported from China. As the industry continues to navigate the impacts of the pandemic, companies that anticipate evolving consumer demand and take steps to adapt accordingly will remain nimble and competitive.
Companies committed to meeting consumer demand use iGPS plastic pallets for all their shipping needs. Our lightweight, recyclable plastic pallets can help reduce harmful emissions and lower your Total Cost of Business. For more information, contact us at 1-866-557-0047, email a specialist at [email protected], or visit our contact page.