SupplyChain Magazine July 2017 | Page 23

TOP 10 GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN RISKS

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WATER CRISES

Water plays a much larger role in the supply chain than many professionals realise . Not only is it crucial to the manufacturing process itself , it also serves as a conveyance factor when boats factor into your transportation network . If the channels and eddies that give semi-inland boats freedom to move towards a shore dry up or become inaccessible , expect your product ’ s journey to dry up as well . If your manufacturing or shipping area is experiencing a severe drought , a shortage of labour may also hold up your delivery schedule .

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CATASTROPHES

From terrorism to manmade disasters , catastrophes have a disruptive influence that ripples outward , closing roads and heightening security out of necessity . If your cargo is slated to travel through a region that ’ s recently been affected by a catastrophe , you can bet it will slow down your shipping speed considerably . Often , these occurrences aren ’ t ones that give a heads up - they happen suddenly and force companies to reroute and replan supply chain routes on the dot .
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