Introduction
There are several common symptoms of supply chain problems that affect everyone. According to Kerr (2021), the symptoms include product shortages, longer lead times, price increases, and transportation challenges. These problems have been caused by various factors, such as shipping delays, port congestion, and shortages of raw materials (Kerr, 2021). Due to this situation, firms need help fulfilling their obligations to meet consumer demand, leading to decreased customer satisfaction and increased costs.
Main Body
The recent global pandemic has caused many problems, and its effect on transportation has been significant. Various factors have caused transportation challenges in the supply chain during and post-COVID-19 pandemic (Raj et al., 2022). For instance, the pandemic has increased the demand for online shopping, subsequently increasing the demand for transportation services. Raj et al. (2022) state that transportation service providers have struggled with operational disruptions, reduced capacity, and increased transportation costs. Moreover, there has been a need for more truck drivers due to government regulations and safety concerns. The pandemic has caused congestion in ports and airports, further delaying transportation (Raj et al., 2022). These challenges have created significant supply chain disruptions, resulting in higher expenses and lower customer contentment (Raj et al., 2022). COVID-19’s presence has brought logistics into a period where firms must act strong to survive.
Despite the virus’ impact, there are different ways companies can solve the supply problems. To mitigate these challenges, firms must adopt alternative transportation modes such as air or sea transportation, reduce transportation costs, and develop contingency plans to mitigate transportation disruptions caused by pandemics or other unforeseeable events (Zhao, 2022). Most of the firms are capable of affording the above-mentioned transportation methods.
Goods are stored in special facilities that allow for extended stays. However, some of the products might lose quality for some reason, and grains can be a prominent example. Several factors can cause storage losses in the grain supply chain. These include inadequate storage facilities, poor handling, pest infestations, and environmental conditions. For example, storage facilities that are not adequately sealed can allow moisture to penetrate the grain, leading to mold and fungus growth (Mesterházy et al., 2020). Furthermore, pest infestations can occur during storage, leading to grain contamination and losses (Mesterházy et al., 2020). These challenges can lead to significant losses in the supply chain, which ultimately affect the profitability of companies and increase the prices of grains.
Companies can adopt several countermeasures to mitigate storage losses in the grain supply chain. One strategy is to use appropriate storage facilities designed to maintain the quality of the grains. This includes facilities with proper ventilation, temperature, and moisture control (Mesterházy et al., 2020). In addition, companies can implement proper handling practices to minimize damage to the grains during loading and unloading. Pest control measures can also be used to prevent infestations. Moreover, companies can use suitable packaging materials and ensure that the storage facilities are clean and debris-free (Mesterházy et al., 2020). It is also essential to monitor the storage conditions regularly to detect any issues that may arise. By adopting these countermeasures, companies can reduce the losses in the grain supply chain, increase profitability, and ensure the delivery of quality grains to customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the common symptoms of supply chain problems can significantly impact the organization’s management status. The recent global pandemic has exacerbated transportation issues and tested the firms’ ability. The firms have struggled to fulfill their obligations; nevertheless, there are various ways companies can mitigate these challenges. Adopting alternative modes, reducing transportation costs, and developing contingency plans are achievable by most companies. Inappropriate storage handling can harm goods because a bad attitude towards them can result in latency or loss. By implementing appropriate storage and handling practices, companies can mitigate these challenges. The supply chain is a complex system that requires constant monitoring and adaptation to ensure efficient operations.
References
Kerr, D. (2021). Supply chain challenges and how they’re affecting everyone. Organized Interiors Blog. Web.
Mesterházy, Á., Oláh, J., & Popp, J. (2020).Losses in the grain supply chain: Causes and solutions. Sustainability, 12(6), 2342. Web.
Raj, A., Mukherjee, A. A., De Sousa Jabbour, A. B. L., & Srivastava, S. K. (2022). Supply chain management during and post-COVID-19 pandemic: Mitigation strategies and practical lessons learned. Journal of Business Research, 142, 1125–1139. Web.
Zhao, S. G. (2022). Impact of covid 19 pandemic and big data on China’s international trade: challenges and countermeasures. Frontiers in Public Health, p. 10. Web.