NewStream Blog

A crisis in the supply chain can happen at any time. Currently, in 2020, the world is encountering unprecedented disruptions due to a new coronavirus. However, a crisis can come in a variety of forms. It could be a widespread problem like COVID-19 or a localized challenge, like a fire destroying a warehouse. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a health crisis; it has become an economic crisis as well. Entire supply chains have been disrupted and the logistics industry has been put under the microscope as communities have experienced empty shelves and long waits for medical supplies and essentials such as food, cleaning supplies and toilet paper. 

In recent years, managers have become more adept at managing supply chains and mitigating recurring risks in the supply chain through improved planning and execution. However, supply chains are still (and will always be) vulnerable to unforeseen events from disruptive forces such as pandemics, natural disasters and economic downturns. 

Third-party logistics (3PL) services allow companies to outsource operational activities like warehousing and delivery. By outsourcing logistics, your business has more time and resources to dedicate to sales, marketing, growth and product development. 

In the world of product packaging and assembly, kitting takes separate but related items and packages them together under a single part number. This is especially helpful when items are to be used in conjunction with one another. One example might include various types and sizes of filters from several vendors packaged together in a kit for routine maintenance. Additionally, a remanufacturing operation can utilize a kitting warehouse to make the ordering process easier and more efficient.