Amy Potter, VP of Operations
Like many companies, Trailblazer Foods hoped that the COVID-19 pandemic would end within next few months and things would go back to normal. Although with trends suggesting we are going to be affected by the pandemic for much longer, many aspects of manufacturing will now have to be considered the ‘new normal’. Unlike several organizations who have seen a drastic reduction in work since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trailblazer Foods is continuing to meet demand driven by the pandemic. As a manufacturer of food products, we are tasked with continuing to help keep shelves full and make sure every household has access to basic necessities. We are, however, experiencing some disruptions across our supply chain and raw materials, driven by what may now become recurring volatility of supply. For example, we have seen many supply chain disruptions with our overseas glass suppliers. All interruptions we are seeing are direct results of the COVID-19 pandemic. To minimize volatility for our customers, we have identified continuity risks and any single points of failure. We are constantly communicating with our critical suppliers to ensure we have plans to respond to constant changes in demand. While the procurement function is measured by cost savings, obtaining supplies at the lowest cost possible, within specified quality parameters. With the pandemic and resorting to extraordinary measures to secure supplies on time, higher costs are necessary burden for the organization.
COVID-19 pandemic will have long-lasting implications for the future of manufacturing. Manufacturers will have to look closely at their end-to-end operations to assess and respond to future disruptions with greater speed. Managing risks to ensure business continuity by anticipating potential changes well ahead of fluctuations to enable rapid, fact-based actions. The most critical focus is to keep employees safe in an environment where COVID-19 are persistent threats. While times may continue to be uncertain, I think we can safely assume we have weathered the current storm and are prepared for any pandemic related challenges that come our way.