Group’s White Paper outlines key elements businesses need to ensure robust logistical support during pandemic era
Supply-chain resilience will play a pivotal role in determining whether companies engaged in global trade are able to weather the logistical challenges presented by Covid-19, said Abu Dhabi Ports in a white paper launched at a recent high-level expert webinar hosted by the company.
According to industry experts from around the world who contributed their insights and perspectives to the white paper entitled ‘Ensuring Supply-Chain Resilience in 2020 and Beyond,’ supply-chain resilience is vital to the sustainability of any business, as it determines its ability to maintain operations in the event of disruption.
They pointed out that companies with superior resilience tend to not only defend and maintain their businesses during disruptive times, but also benefit from the opportunities that emerge once the crisis has abated.
Shared experiences
The global logistics experts also shared their views and experiences on how companies can cope with external trade shocks, and even realise competitive advantage during the unprecedented logistical turbulence brought on by the pandemic.
Echoing the sentiment, Abu Dhabi Ports believes that companies with resilient supply-chains position themselves for greater success based on their appetite for risk, establishment of a risk management culture, investment in technology, willingness to use and act on data, and acceptance of views of external experts.
“This white paper captures contemporary thinking from some of the leading minds in the complex world of supply-chain management,” affirmed Robert Sutton, Head of Logistics Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports.
Supply chain resiliency
“I would stress that when it comes to supply-chain resiliency, the most important factors to consider are adapting to the demands of customers, building an agile network, and having an empowered organisation with clear risk management across all levels,” asserted Karim Shariff, UAE-based Partner at Bain & Company.
“Every day, supply chain companies must navigate a world of risks. To do that successfully, requires flexibility and the agility to respond quickly to unexpected disruption. It is crucial that companies have the right technology, tools and partners to help them manage and mitigate both known and unknown risks,” noted Cathy Morrow Roberson, US-based Founder and Head Analyst at Logistics Trends and Insights.
The white paper was launched at a webinar, ‘Trade and Logistics in the Time of Covid-19’, organised recently by Abu Dhabi Ports with the participation of senior executive panellists from the banking, food, and logistics sectors, and hundreds of high-level participants from around the world.
“Sharing of thoughts and ideas and collaborating as one supply chain is now more important than ever before as we navigate together to a successful recovery,” concluded Tom Harvey, Commercial Director, Spinneys Dubai, who participated in the webinar.
