Expect the unexpected and be ready for it
June 5, 2023
By the Blue Print Editorial Team
By the Blue Print Editorial Team
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Cramming for a test may work in school, but it won’t work with disasters. That means knowing what you’ll need before a disaster hits isn’t just wise, it’s potentially lifesaving.
Having a supply chain that can adapt to new pressures is essential to being prepared for anything. Another key step? Finding a distributor you can trust and can work with you to build a strong, resilient supply chain. By creating that partnership ahead of time, you’ll reduce risk, build confidence with sourcing essential products, and find creative solutions to get your team back on their feet – quickly. You’ll want a distributor who runs their own distribution network. Why? So, they can make sure things get where they need to go. When a distributor has its own semis, sprinters, and pickups, they can get back on the road faster than anyone else. Plus, because they are in charge of their routes, they can make changes that put the items you need on the next available truck. 
Q&A: Three questions to ask your supplier 1. Do you set up staging areas? Depending on the scope of the disaster, if they only use their standard shipping methods, they won’t have the scale of products needed in a timely fashion. Two-day shipping doesn’t solve truly urgent needs. 2. Can you source all the products I need? This can tell you two things: Does this supplier have a stable supply chain AND the ability to be flexible? You’re looking for a partner who can source everything you need. 3. How might you keep supplies coming to us? Asking this question helps you get a sense of the supplier’s experience dealing with disaster responses. Do they have previous examples? Are they believable? It’s hard to overstate the importance of partnering with someone you can trust with your supply chain. Because we partner with strategic suppliers, we have what you need to get your operation back up and running. What can you do today?
Email BlueTeamResponds@Fastenal.com to set up a time to meet with your supplier and develop
a contingency plan. Take this action now so you’re ready when a disaster strikes. Vertical Divider
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