Supply Chain disruptions in 2024 ranged from natural disasters to a cargo ship destroying a major bridge, blocking one of the largest eastern US ports. Spring of 2025 has already brought its share with tornadoes, flooding and unexpected late winter storms. Supply chain disruptions have caused many companies to perform “What if” scenarios to prepare for and to minimize their risk when another disruption occurs.

Examples of “What ifs”:

What if a Category 5 hurricane hits a key port or warehouse?

• Impacts analyzed: Shipping delays, damage to goods, alternative logistics routes.
• Response: Reroute shipments, shift inventory to different hubs, notify affected customers in real-time.

What if a critical Tier 1 supplier declares bankruptcy next quarter?

• Impacts analyzed: Downtime in production, costs of finding new sources, legal delays.
• Response: Identify secondary suppliers now, simulate cost impacts of switching, determine their capabilities to automate their critical information.

“What If” scenarios require involvement with all departments to accurately determine the impact. Questions that will need answers: What procedures need to be in place or changed? What information does each department need?

The timeliness and accuracy of the information is key to determining how prepared your company will be to minimize the risks with any supply chain disruptions. Are you receiving all the information you need from your customers and suppliers? Innovate E-Commerce can help. Through our Managed Services and our Supplier Toolkit, we can help you evaluate your trading partners’ capabilities and implement the transactions electronically to provide you with the required information to minimize your risk of future supply chain disruptions.

Click here to learn more about Innovate’s Services or email Innovate E-Commerceinfo@innovateec.com