3 min read

Riding the Wave of Economic Disruptions with a Surfer's Balance: A Sassy Guide to Supply Chain Resilience

By Derrick Nyakweba on Jul 24, 2023 11:44:36 AM

When you think about supply chain management, you'd be forgiven for picturing lines of trucks, spreadsheets, and some serious-looking folks in suits. But what if I told you managing a supply chain is more akin to riding a wave on a surfboard?

In the ocean of economy, disruptions are those big, gnarly waves ready to wipe you out. If you're not prepared, you're going belly-up, my friend. But if you've got the agility of Kelly Slater and the resilience of a rubber duckie, you'll ride those waves like a pro. So let's wax up our surfboards and dive into the world of supply chain resilience, dudes and dudettes.

Topics: Operational Agility Recession Strategies
3 min read

Slow Season Strategies To Try Now

By Carolyn Owen on Mar 3, 2023 9:33:01 AM

In today's fast-paced and uncertain business landscape, companies must remain nimble and adaptable to survive. This is especially true during periods of economic downturn, where challenges and uncertainties can arise at any moment. On-demand labor, demand forecasting, and downcycle agility are all important concepts for businesses looking to stay competitive in today's rapidly changing economy. With consistent changes in consumer behavior, companies are under increasing pressure to be agile and responsive to shifts in demand– especially when it’s slower than usual. Read on to learn about how to keep things rolling when demand slows down:

Topics: Operational Agility Recession Strategies
2 min read

Beat Layoffs With Flexible Labor

By Carolyn Owen on Jan 6, 2023 3:11:36 PM

Unfortunately, layoffs happen. In America, about 40% of workers will experience a layoff at some point in their careers. No matter the industry, when times are tough and your business has pinched pennies in every other category, it can lead to having to show valuable employees the door. Even though it’s “just business”, the effects of layoffs will always carry a personal effect– not only to those let go, but also to those continuing to keep operations running on the inside.

Topics: Recession Strategies
4 min read

A Recession Business Strategy for Manufacturing Companies

By Steven Calhoun on Jun 15, 2022 4:24:46 PM

You’ve likely heard the forecasts  of an impending recession. Some people might even have warned you of the possibility of a depression. We’re in no place to make a judgment on whether or not these predictions will come true, but we do know what you can do to prepare, just in case.

Topics: Operational Agility Recession Strategies
4 min read

How to Create Down Cycle Agility with On-Demand Labor

By Rich Tompkins on Jul 7, 2021 4:30:00 PM

You’ve been there before: volume has suddenly dropped off a cliff, after months of hiring staff to meet a big surge. You’re left with more employees than you have the work for, and it’s eating a hole in your margins. The situation might be bad enough that you have to let people go.

Topics: Recession Strategies Cost Reduction "How to" Blogs
5 min read

How to Manage Seasonal Demand in Manufacturing and Logistics

By Steven Calhoun on Dec 11, 2020 1:28:58 PM

No matter how hard you try, it seems like the busy season throws more at your business than you’re prepared to handle. Every year, it’s a scramble to grab the extra cash that’s being thrown your way if you can meet your customers’ seemingly insatiable, seasonal demand for that precious period of time.

Topics: Recession Strategies Operations Management Peak Season Strategies "How to" Blogs
3 min read

How to Retain Your Workforce Amidst Uncertainty

By Rich Tompkins on Apr 6, 2020 10:49:06 AM

Last week, we published a blog called Manufacturing Companies, Keep the Faith and Soldier On, which was a call to action for US producers and distributors to prepare to play offense in this time of crisis. Because although it is clear that the near-term will be uncertain in terms of restrictions, delays in materials, and workforce challenges... that should not prevent you from preparing to take on pent-up demand that is just around the corner. 

Topics: Job Design Recession Strategies "How to" Blogs