As East and Gulf Coast ports brace for a potential strike, the U.S. faces a significant supply chain disruption. Negotiations have stalled, and the repercussions could be severe—inventory shortages, skyrocketing grocery store costs, and container backlogs that could take months to clear.
Attacks have additionally stalled shipping through the Red Sea, and the Panama Canal is still operating below capacity due to drought conditions: the combination of these events creates a “perfect storm” that could choke off major arteries of global trade.
The consequences of these disruptions could cripple businesses that rely on these ports for imports and exports. In today’s interconnected world, supply chains are susceptible to constant disruption – from strikes and geopolitical conflicts to government trade tariffs and natural disasters. Access to live, detailed operational data is the key to navigating these challenges efficiently and effectively.
Why live data is critical for supply chain resilience
Supply chains are complex networks that require constant monitoring and adjustment. Traditional methods of managing these networks rely heavily on periodic data updates – which can delay decision-making. This is an especially risky approach in situations like port strikes, where every minute counts.
Proactive Decision-Making
Whether it’s rerouting shipments, adjusting inventory levels, or communicating with stakeholders, access to live operational data facilitates more informed decision-making that can mitigate the impact of disruptions.
Rapid Response to Market Conditions
Supply chains are dynamic by nature, influenced by fluctuating market conditions, consumer demands, and unforeseen events. For example, if a port strike causes delays, companies need to quickly identify alternative routes or adjust their logistics strategies to maintain smooth operations.
Fortifying supply chain operations with access to live data
In the face of mounting challenges, Incorta helps supply chain organizations by providing easy access to live, detailed operational data. This enables companies to quickly identify and respond to bottlenecks, adjust inventory, and optimize logistics.
- Visibility into Operations
Incorta gives you easy access to live data stored across various complex systems—like ERP, CRM, and supply chain management tools—in a unified view. This real-time visibility helps businesses monitor the impact of strikes on production, transportation, and distribution.
- Data-backed decision making
With live operational data, companies can analyze the ripple effects of disruptions on different supply chain nodes. This helps leadership make informed decisions around resource allocation, contingency plans, and alternative suppliers.
- Scenario Modeling: Incorta allows users to run “what-if” scenarios, modeling the impact of different disruptions and strikes. This empowers organizations to predict outcomes and plan alternative strategies to mitigate potential delays, such as rerouting shipments or reallocating resources.
- Enhanced Supplier Management: By integrating data from procurement and supplier systems, Incorta helps businesses assess the vulnerability of their supplier networks and identify alternative suppliers when needed – minimizing the risk of a prolonged shutdown.
- Instant Answers for Faster Action: With the ability to handle complex queries in near real-time, Incorta ensures that businesses can react swiftly to disruptions, maintaining the flexibility to pivot strategies.
Disruptions at critical junctions, like port operations, can have far-reaching effects. With access to live data from Incorta, organizations can minimize disruptions caused by port strikes and other unforeseen logistical challenges by rerouting shipments or reallocating resources.
While live data is crucial, building a data foundation for predictive AI is just as important for a future-proof supply chain. Moving from reactive to proactive is a milestone, but predictive capabilities unlock strategic decision-making. Discover how AI tools like GenAI can keep you ahead in our ebook: AI – Mission Critical for Supply Chain- Centric Organizations.