Building Supply Chain Resilience

The recent IT disruptions at Marks & Spencer, Co-Op and most recently Adidas, show just how quickly a system fault or cyberattack can ripple through a business’ entire supply chain. Within hours, stock visibility can disappear, deliveries can stall, and shelves begin to empty – potentially eroding customer trust in turn.

The incidents come at a moment when supply chains everywhere are already under strain from armed conflict, trade disputes, and climate-driven weather events.

Nowadays, businesses must prioritise the resilience of their supply chains, which are increasingly digitally connected and reliant on the effectiveness of IT systems like ERP and CRM platforms.

The most prepared businesses of today prioritise their cybersecurity by designing robust standbys and backups ready to step in the moment something fails. They also rely on clear, well-rehearsed contingency plans that cover everything from a brief glitch to a prolonged shutdown. That could mean maintaining back-up suppliers and freight providers – or even considering near-shoring stock or production closer to key markets, too.

While no company can prevent every crisis, our experience at SCALA indicates that businesses that build these safeguards into day-to-day operations ride out disruptions, keep goods moving, and preserve their reputation when trouble strikes.