Why Emergency And Disaster Relief Logistics Is More Important Than Ever

Logistics Industry August 3, 2020

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of having smooth logistics operations and supply chain management has never been more crucial. The pandemic has put logistics emergency teams through the wringer. They were forced to adapt and to ensure enough supplies were delivered on time while keeping their employees safe.

Without emergency and relief logistics, our grocery store shelves would be empty. Our frontline workers wouldn't have the necessary tools to continue working, and many other problems would occur that are just too long to list.

Remember the toilet paper shortage? Why did that happen?

Illustration of grocery store shelves

Simply put, supply chains and logistics were not prepared for this level of panic buying. Social media also added to the problem by flooding the internet with pictures of people buying non-perishable items in bulk, like toilet paper. At the same time, essential workers were concerned about their health and safety.

Supply chain management has been trained and prepared to react and apply emergency relief for their community, but in the case of the COVID-19, many processes had to be restructured and rethought.

Here are 4 factors that are essential for a smooth emergency and disaster relief logistics:

1. Truck Transportation

These noisy and typically annoying big trucks on the road may now have a new and improved societal image. Transport trucks have helped us immensely in 2020. Truck drivers have helped to keep goods moving and provided stores with a fully stocked inventory. They are and will continue to be, a vital part of delivering emergency logistics in North America.

Illustration of transport truck being loaded by warehouse pallets

2. Digitalization

The COVID-19 crisis forced supply chain management to go digital. During the pandemic, the biggest concern of logistics companies was getting their shipment to customers, and getting it there on time. Going digital solved that problem. It has allowed the supply chain to ramp up its efficiency and establish a system that provides real-time data.

In a world where social distancing must be practiced, having forms and procedures being completed online speeds up the process and provides a safe working environment for all employees.

McKenna offers a wide range of tailored online, file transfer, API, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions to help your organization deliver enormous amounts of data quickly, accurately and securely.

3. New Technology

COVID-19 has fast-tracked digitalization in logistics and paved the way for new technology to enhance supply chain performance and efficiency.

Some new technologies that are being implemented are drones that deliver packages and COVID-19 tests, autonomous trucks, enhanced GPS tracking, and warehouse automation. All of which keep inventory moving and safe during a global crisis.

Shipment package done online sitting on a computer

4. Innovation and Resiliency

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown supply chain management that customers' habits and behaviours change dramatically amid a crisis, with a significant dependency on social media and new trends. Supply chains need to adapt and react in a timely manner in order to meet their demand.

The simpler, the better, is the new motto. Complex operations do not pair nicely during an emergency. Collaboration between warehouses, drivers, and vehicles will be put into place to elevate performance.

If all departments come together, fewer vendor-managed inventories (VMI), continuous replenishment programmes (CRP) and more sophisticated initiatives such as joint or open innovation-based research and development projects can be implemented and raise productivity and adaptability.

Don’t Wait, Start Preparing Your Supply Chain for Emergencies and Aid Today

Logistics plays a crucial role in the function of a supply chain, especially during an emergency. With over 70 years of experience, we’ve identified that the secret to becoming a high-performance logistics company is the safeguarding of high-quality standards.

Our competitive advantages, key performance indicators, and leadership initiatives have allowed us to be on our A-game throughout the pandemic. We continue to stay up-to-date and adapt to our customers' supply chain needs. Our logistics emergency team is ready to help you with your supply chain management.

Call us at 1-800-561-4997 or send an email to sales@mckennalogistics.com to get started!