Supply chain risk management (SCRM) is the procedure of assessing, identifying, and mitigating the risks of a business’s supply chain. Implementation of global supply chain risk management strategies can assist a company in reducing costs, increasing efficiency and enhancing customer service.
Supplier risk management is a discipline that is primarily used by manufacturers, retailers, financial institutions, and governments. A comprehensive approach to SCRM entails the management of all risk types, across all supply tiers, and across all risk objects. When implemented properly, SCRM is a critical enabler that is embedded and integrated into an enterprise’s core processes. The end result is a comprehensive supplier risk matrix that details potential risk factors, the impact on operations, and a strategy for addressing and mitigating supplier risks.
The importance of supply chain management has never been greater, as more businesses outsource their manufacturing processes to national or global supply networks. With a growing network of prospects and increased global reliance, there is a greater risk that you will lose customers if you make a mistake in one area. These risks can include a shortage of raw materials, manufacturing plant failures due to natural disasters, strikes, or supply chain miscommunications
Why is Supply Chain Risk Management critical?
The supply chain is critical to any organisation since it encompasses a variety of activities. It encompasses the process of converting natural resources, raw materials, and work in progress into a finished product that is ultimately given to the final client. As a result, when one process fails to deliver what is necessary for the next stage in the supply chain, the entire supply chain might be disrupted.
A thorough supply chain risk management strategy is critical for firms to be robust and responsive in order to mitigate supply chain risk. This entails risk management at all levels of the supply chain (suppliers, logistics, locations and more). When SCRM is deployed properly, it gives organisations a major competitive advantage.
What are the steps in the Supply Chain Risk Management process?
Supply chain risk mitigation can be challenging in today’s connected and digital world, owing to globalization and the possibility of cyber interference. Here are a 4 defined steps that you can follow to mitigate your business’s risk exposure.
1. Risk identification and assessment
The evaluation of relevant supply chain risks must be extensive and should include the supplier and the supplier’s manufacturing or service location. Additionally, you must obtain appropriate transparency and assurance from your direct supplier regarding their critical supporting suppliers (supply chain mapping) based on the potential disruption or reputational risk they represent. The only way to properly address risk is to ensure that it is recognised in the first place. The risk management lifecycle begins with the creation of a risk profile and ends with active monitoring to ensure that it continues to operate efficiently.
2. Risk quantification
Understanding individual risk factors is crucial in any aggregation. In some cases, even though a supplier is financially solid, it is important to point out that their manufacturing plant is exposed to a large flood risk or geopolitical risk. Apart from that, you must be aware of any aggregated data relating to a single point of failure in your supply chain.
3. Risk mitigation
It is vital to apply risk mitigation techniques after identifying the suppliers/suppliers who are the most significant cause of financial exposure and risk. Selective inventory additions, improved and verified business continuity strategies for suppliers, and the identification of acceptable pre-qualified replacement suppliers are all possible options.
4. Respond and recover
When a natural disaster strikes, those who have prepared a contingency plan to deal with the unexpected are the first to respond and ensure that business activities continue uninterrupted. Their customers, vendors, distributors, and retailers rely on you to transport their commodities on time and efficiently to their locations. While the majority of people are aware of the possibilities of catastrophes or natural disasters, those who are ahead of the curve are more likely to succeed when others are unsuccessful. As a result, ensure that the operation is resumed as quickly as possible, and that everything is up and running at full capacity as soon as possible after that.
How Does Supply Chain Risk Management Software Benefit You?
Any supply chain that invests in a risk management system will reap numerous benefits. Apart from the ability to identify threats, develop plans to address them, and establish procedures for resolving conflict, supply chain risk management software provides numerous ancillary benefits to the business.
When a natural disaster strikes, those who have a contingency plan in place to deal with the unexpected are the first to respond and maintain business operations. Your customers, vendors, distributors, and retailers rely on you to deliver your commodities quickly and efficiently. While the majority of people recognise the possibility of accidents or natural disasters, those who are ahead of the game are more likely to succeed when others fail.
The supply chain risk management software provides stakeholders with the appropriate communication tools – cloud-based, SMS text, email, or desktop alerts – as well as updated tracking solutions for increased visibility and transparency in their supply chain. A business that recognises its threats and develops a strategy to mitigate them will ultimately succeed.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining supply of essential products and services while also proactively resolving problems takes a great deal of effort. It takes time and effort to monitor processes on a regular basis to ensure that they are running at their most efficient level. With the expansion of global markets and the increasing complexity of supply chains, there is a greater need than ever for risk management professionals. The success of a corporation is dependent on its ability to identify and develop a strategy for mitigating dangers. The supply chain is strewn with roadblocks, ranging from inclement weather to self-inflicted difficulties.
The most cost-effective method for an organisation to manage the impact of supplier risk is to implement a strategic risk-based approach. The proactive assessment of supply chain risks aims to minimise vulnerability and ensure continuity. Supply chain mapping, supplier assessment, and risk management are all critical components of successful SCRM.
