Manufacturing in a World of Disrupted Supply Chains

Supply chains are not impervious to disruption, be they caused by natural disasters (pandemics, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.), changes in political leadership, military actions, tariffs and viruses. That’s because manufacturers often rely on parts produced in countries around the world to manufacture their finished products.

In the resulting world of turmoil, manufacturers can take decisive steps to deal with anticipated – and in some cases actual – disruption in their international supply chains. Part shortages are a distinct possibility, a situation that could cripple production and grind plants to a halt

Fast action, advanced software required

Though an extended parts shortage that stops production is a worst-case scenario, manufacturers can use LLumin’s READYTrak software to track and manage materials inventory in – and across – facilities and procure additional items at the first hint of shortages. This would allow quick-acting manufacturers who have precise knowledge of part levels to stave off the impact of parts shortage longer than those who wait until parts shortages become a reality.

This operations management software plays a pivotal role in a successful approach to constant change as manufacturers have worked to minimize onsite inventory to reduce the cost of carrying items parts and materials since the early days of Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing decades ago.

When predictable and unpredictable events threaten supply chains occur, manufacturers should set aside JIT practices in order to load up on their parts or materials inventory in order to lessen the impact on production and minimize downtime.

What you need to succeed when your parts lifeline is threatened

Using advanced software to manage all aspects of a company’s enterprise-wide materials requirements supply chain is crucial to fast-acting managers looking to increase inventory at the first indication of an oncoming threatening event.

LLumin’s READYTrak software offers inventory, purchasing and usage tracking capabilities while providing enterprise-level visibility. It automates and streamlines the procurement request and approval process, thereby reducing or eliminating the activities that add cost – such as wasted time – without adding value.

LLumin READYTrak provides identification and comprehensive monitoring of tools, chemicals, components and materials. It can handle serialized components, lot numbers, containers and any type of entity that needs tracking throughout its life cycle.

Before you can take fast action, your operations management software must already be serving as a foundation for your manufacturing efforts. LLumin’s READYTrak software accurately tracks, manages and reorders inventory, stockrooms and warehouses. Better still, it also enables another set of make-or-b sophisticated eProcurement-based ordering, fulfillment and usage tracking.

Procurement flexibility in the face of threatening change

Choice in enabling spare parts procurement can help manufacturers best deal with expected and unexpected change by giving them the option to handle this core task through their operations management software or through their ERP system.

With LLumin, manufacturers’ spare parts procurement functions can be quickly executed through its READYTrak suite, or through the software vendor’s available interface to Microsoft’s Dynamics, which is a set of ERP and CRM software applications.

Ready, Set, Go

Time is in fact money. And missed opportunities to quickly adjust during constant change can represent a ton of it. Get ready with LLumin READYTrak and prepare to take fast and productive action at the first sign of potentially disruptive (or worse) changes in your international supply chains.