As we head into 2023, here are three things that logistics and supply chain professionals will be dealing with:
Using visibility to manage volatility: C-level executives hate unpleasant surprises, which is why the supply chain challenges in 2021 and 2022 were so disruptive. Because many shippers “never saw it coming” and were “surprised,” they did not have a game plan to address what to do when the “unexpected” occurred. In 2023, companies will continue to focus on gathering accurate data, assessing what that data means, and translating that data in to an action plan to address critical issues.
Being more engaged in understanding marketplace conditions: In 2023, companies will look at the external transportation factors that could impact their supply chains. For example, the expiration of the contract between the Teamsters and UPS in June means that shippers will want to do some scenario planning to address the possibility of a strike or lockout if negotiations between the two parties become contentious.
Getting better at communicating logistics issues upstream: Because the supply chain has now become an “agenda item” at the Board of Directors meetings, transportation and logistics professionals will be under pressure to effectively communicate the financial and human resources that companies will need to invest in order to have stronger supply chains.
Add it up and in 2023, transportation and supply chain issues will continue to be in the spotlight, which means that transportation and logistics professionals will be challenged as they protect their companies from potential transportation and supply chain disruptions.