1. What are 2 ways in which your company can avoid a disruption created by a regular vendor that cannot deliver a component of a product you make? 2. Describe one advantage and one disadvantage for the Push business model

Question-1) How can a company avoid a disruption created by a regular vendor that cannot deliver a component of a product made by the company.

The supply chain serves as the vascular system for both manufacturing and online sales. It is responsible for getting goods from suppliers to fulfilment centres and on to a customer's doorstep. Numerous moving elements mean that even a slight disruption might have a disastrous effect on the system. Disruptions include any abrupt change or emergency that has a negative effect on any link in the supply chain.

Customers frequently are unaware of the number of steps required to move a product from point A to point B, despite the fact that businesses are well aware of how the supply chain functions. Even after products are loaded into a vehicle for delivery, challenges that arise during the final delivery phase may cause all previous attempts to fail.

While some significant supply chain interruptions, like seasonal delays during the holidays, are expected, others, like a global epidemic, are not. In either case, learning how to maintain operations and profitability despite supply chain disruptions by applying accurate inventory forecasting and network optimization will help you keep going even when pandemonium breaks out.

Disruptions of Various Types
It's necessary to first assess the many kinds of supply chain disruptions that can happen when it comes to handling them. Here are the key supply chain issues or scenarios that could cause disruptions, followed by the solutions.

Natural catastrophes - Hurricanes, flooding, and earthquakes are examples of natural disasters that have disrupted supply chains owing to power outages, property damage, or manufacturing worker emergencies. As an illustration, the 2011 Japanese tsunami caused the temporary shutdown of a power plant that produced 60% of some auto parts, which was a crucial missing link.

Transportation Delays - Seasonal weather conditions and more traffic on the roads cause transportation delays, which are less severe but no less disruptive. Due to winter storms and the volume of commodities sent over the holidays, the fourth quarter of the year is known for bottlenecks. To counteract this increase in supply chain demand, retailers frequently encourage their customers to purchase in advance.

Price Variations - Variations in supplier supply, resources, and a number of other factors can have an impact on the cost of manufacture and shipping. As companies wait for prices to decrease or take the chance of raising prices for their clients, it may result in shipment delays or operational changes.

Cyber Attacks - While technology currently fuels most of the supply chain and maintains the systems, it also increases the susceptibility to cyber attacks. To keep their data secure, businesses must invest in dependable cyber defence. Internal systems will fail if doubt persists, and customers will shop elsewhere if security is compromised.

Worldwide pandemics- The Covid-19 epidemic has had the greatest impact on the supply chain in recent years. Whole supply chains were shut down when the pandemic initially struck; many of these chains are still recuperating. Due to the labour crisis in the United States, cargo ships are backed up in the ports and there are much fewer truck drivers available.

Resolving Supply Chain Disruptions: Steps to Take
A large portion of supply chain disruptions are outside the control of organisations. However, by putting procedures in place to reduce disruption, businesses may better get ready for such events beforehand. Here are four supply chain risk management techniques that should be included in your company's business plan.

Create a backup stock
Take an assessment of your supplies and decide how much safety stock you'll need in case the supply chain is delayed or disrupted. You might wonder what role safety stock plays in inventory control. A safety stock is a quantity of a particular commodity that is set aside to avoid stockouts during periods of strong demand. Out-of-stock orders have an impact on current sales and client confidence. A store that consistently runs out of stock does not offer the best shopping experience.

Supplier diversification
Manufacturers and merchants are thinking about diversifying their suppliers in the post-pandemic economy. Those with inventories entangled in overseas supply chains and warehouses recognised their capacity to change course was constrained by relying on a single supplier. Since the pandemic's delay lasted for months longer than anyone had anticipated, many businesses were left looking for a remedy. Having backup providers might be able to lessen future disruptions.

Developing connections with several suppliers gives you the chance to fulfil shipment requests even if one of them is temporarily or severely restricted. Instead of using a supplier in an emergency situation that can increase operational costs, doing your research and making plans for alternate providers in advance will also help you maintain profit margins.

Utilize Fulfillment Partners
Experts in fulfilment are prepared to manage any potential supply chain delays. Our order fulfilment services at Flowspace are quick, affordable, and flexible, and our software platform enables companies to keep complete visibility and control over their orders, inventory, and customer insights.

We also assist companies in making changes during unanticipated supply chain disruptions that best serve their clients. Customers have real-time transparency, can better recognise possible dangers, and can take action, regardless of the environment or scenario, thanks to an independent fulfilment network connected through software.

Speaking with the customers
Whatever is going on in the background, customers deserve on-time delivery. Customers should be informed right away if there is a potential inventory shortage brought on by a supply chain disruption. As much information as you can on how the problems will be fixed and what the customers can anticipate in terms of timing should be included, along with alternate supply arrangements.

An integrated system identifies potential fixes and streamlines communication with impacted clients. Averting the wrath of dissatisfied consumers who would demand refunds or simply take their business elsewhere by anticipating customer interactions.