Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

Your industry news - first

The original and best - for over 20 years!

We strongly recommend viewing Cleanzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

New survey finds confidence in supply chain operations

A new survey by GlobalTranz, which provides logistic technologies for shipping companies, and Edelman, a data and communications firm, finds that most US supply chain organisations are optimistic about their business performance and that of the industry in 2021.

The study noted that last year, many supply chains were "overburdened" due to Covid-19 and had difficulty meeting product demand.

However, 91% of those surveyed believe those problems are behind them and that they can better meet their customers' needs in 2021.

As to the reasons for their confidence, the survey uncovered the following:

- Seven in 10 respondents believe the Covid-19 vaccine rollout will enable them to attract new business.

- Related to this, 94% believe there will be a robust economic recovery in 2021 due to the vaccine rollout.

- Some 60% believe the recently passed stimulus package will have a long-term positive impact on the economy, supply chain operations and business revenue.

The survey, published in April 2021, involved more than 200 supply chain leaders and managers. They were contacted between March 2nd and 17th, 2021, lived in the US, and worked at companies with 500+ employees.

Michael Wilson, vice president of Afflink, says many of his organisation's 350+ member distributors, most of whom market janitorial supplies, paper, foodservice, and packaging materials, also sound much more upbeat than they were a year ago.

"Last year, many of our members grappled with changing buying behaviours, inventory management issues and fluctuating customer demand," he says.

"However, our distributors made necessary changes, including boosting their e-commerce capabilities. This has helped them become much more resilient."

As to the critical challenges in 2021, the survey reported there were concerns about rising transportation costs; finding enough workers, and having sufficient warehouse space to meet customer demand.

"Overall, it was a very positive report," adds Michael. "COVID makes things a bit iffy, so let's keep our fingers crossed."

www.afflink.com / www.globaltranz.com

13th May 2021