3.1 Assignment
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School
Bellevue University *
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Course
436
Subject
Industrial Engineering
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by AgentKouprey4773
Kelsi Frederick
SCLM436-871A
3.1 Assignment
The case study I chose discusses the impacts that COVID-19 has had on logistics systems, the disruptions experienced in the food supply chain, and some strategies to address the event. To examine and discuss the pandemic case, Singh and the other authors evaluated several existing studies from notable organizations. For example, they evaluated the impacts and solutions for the Ebola virus and the Swine Flu. In terms of COVID-19, this case is more specifically aimed at the food supply chain, so keep in mind that the impacts will ultimately be like other products, at least in general. However, the ways or methods to manage or solve the impacts of COVID-19 may vary for this specific case on the food supply chain. This is because food and food-related products will expire, whereas most other products will not expire, at least not quickly. When the virus started spreading, and lockdowns were imposed, it sent most people into a panic resulting in increased buying. This created an unbalanced supply and demand because people demanded more if they were stuck at home for a long time. Items included anything from cleaning supplies to entertainment items and, of course, much food. The food distribution system
has been severely affected during lockdown because of the unavailability of laborers and truck operators. Singh, S., Kumar, R., Panchal, R., & Tiwari, M. K. (2020). That means not only could
supply not keep up with demand simply due to the increase, but also because the people or organizations are now not physically present in the workplace to keep operations moving. This is
not a standard supply and demand issue, such as the unforeseen popularity of a new product. Specifically, logistics issues were primarily based on travel restrictions, allocation issues, and information and control systems. Allocation can already be an issue on its own, so putting goods into inventory or store items becomes much more challenging with travel restrictions. Fortunately, some methods and solutions can be used to address situations like these, even though COVID-19 has been so destructive. As for solutions, there is a consistent theme of presenting some programming model or simulation to address various logistical issues like allocation during an emergency or pandemic. As Singh and others (2020) discussed, similar models had been presented for the Ebola Virus and the Swine Flu. One simulated network in the paper was presented based on three scenarios. The scenarios were presented as one, normal operations of the public distribution system; two, the PDS network during the shutdown for the pandemic; and three, having a backup facility. As for workers being present in the workplace, key strategies have been implemented to avoid human contact, thus avoiding transmission. Masks and sanitizers were given out, along with performing regular cleaning. Automotive manufacturers are shifted towards making medical equipment to meet such enormous demand. Singh, S., Kumar, R., Panchal, R., & Tiwari,
M. K. (2020). More specifically, in this paper and current times, there was a significant discussion on developing truck-drone delivery systems, especially for highly infectious regions. Essentially, trucks would take a path through the region while drones fly goods from the trucks to the destination, eliminating human-to-human contact. How do the solutions for the food supply chain compare to the non-food items? Even though this study was primarily on the Public Distribution System which transports grain foods, the solutions will roughly be the same. The only thing that may need some adjustment would be determining the timing to prevent some items from perishing. However,
Kelsi Frederick
SCLM436-871A
3.1 Assignment
that is not of enormous concern considering trucks are cooled or frozen depending on what is being carried. Furthermore, some products have an advantage as other manufacturers, such as car
manufacturers making medical equipment, can shift their efforts to produce those items. As for food, especially grain, it would likely be more difficult for a technology manufacturer to switch to food making. Is there a better plan to handle this the next time a similar event occurs? One point of discussion, a topic even before the pandemic, is building more resilient supply chains. This would include making them more sustainable, but systematic issues must be focused on for a case like this. Certain regions could start partnering with more local productions
and diversify their chain. This would allow greater flexibility when a part of the chain cannot make what is needed. Furthermore, there are now governmental food assistance programs for COVID-19, and a new plan was created in response to COVID-19 named the American Rescue Plan of 2021. The plan is supposed to help the economy and struggling Americans and help provide food. How close are we to drone delivery? Drone delivery is a great idea, but we are not yet close enough to rely on this solution. Drones were talked about years ago, primarily by Amazon if you can recall hearing about that; nothing ever happened, at least not on a large enough scale to make it a regular part of operations. The idea is most definitely happening already, but there are significant aspects that still need consideration. Besides the general worry of whether the drones will stay in flight without malfunction, air regulations, costs, public acceptance, and much more are also issues of air regulations. While we need to be closer, it could be sooner than thought because there can be jumps in technology, and there is currently research on the topic by more companies than just Amazon. Walmart is one of the companies that have since started to implement and test drone delivery. References
Singh, S., Kumar, R., Panchal, R., & Tiwari, M. K. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 on logistics systems and disruptions in food supply chain. Retrieved on April 15, 2023, http://ezproxy.bellevue.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/impact-
covid-19-on-logistics-systems-disruptions/docview/2428169892/se-2
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