Every industry and business has their ups and downs. Currently, the automotive industry is experiencing this but in a more unexpected way. A series of strikes has sent ripples across the vast network, dragging suppliers, many unprepared, into the depth of a downturn.

Navigating through an unplanned shutdown can feel like being lost in a complex theme park, with this looming, ominous red arrow on a demand curve map pointing right at the bottom where you stand. It reads, “You are here.” Although unsettling, it's essential to remember that this phase, though challenging, is temporary. The key is to be prepared to move forward because customer expectations and releases are not going to stop and wait.

Diving into the heart of the automotive industry, this blog post looks at the core fundamental aspects of the automotive supply chain. As the lifeblood of vehicle manufacturing, any disruption can send shockwaves through the value stream. Highlighting the repercussions of an unplanned shutdown, we will review the challenges faced by stakeholders at each step and propose strategic solutions. With disruptions becoming an inherent challenge, our focus is on equipping industry players with strategies of resilience. This ensures they do not merely survive but rather thrive in this ever-changing landscape.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.