“There is an increased sense of risk coming from the supply chain managers,” said Zach G. Zacharia, associate professor of Supply Chain Management and director of the Center for Supply Chain Research at Lehigh. “Not only is the overall risk index up, but six out of 10 of the risk factors are up with the economy being the number one concern.”
Supply chain managers see the potential for labor shortages and workers who are unwilling to work in warehouse positions. “There is concern that capital costs will increase,” said Zacharia. “Managers are watching labor demands, health issues, the cost of real estate and commodity pricing.”
Customer risk is at a low point over the last four quarters according to the LRMI. “Supply chain managers are thinking that vaccine distribution will bolster consumer spending and unleash consumers’ savings from the last year,” said Zacharia.
A unique aspect of the LRMI is that the quarterly reports include a sampling of candid comments from supply chain managers about each risk category that take you beyond the numbers.
Comments from the second quarter report include:
- Fuel prices are steadily rising, the driver shortage remains acute and infrastructure is in decline throughout the U.S.
- A number of transport firms in the U.S. and Canada were targeted and hit with ransomware in Q4, and there is no reason to think it will stop.
- We're having more difficulties obtaining supplies in a quantity and quality expected and delivered when expected.
- Tolls, tariffs, taxes are all on the increase.
- Read more comments.
The LRMI was developed by the Center for Supply Chain Research at Lehigh University and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals to help rank 10 broad categories of supply chain risks.
“This report allows executives, not just supply chain managers, to look ahead and prepare for risks that will become important to manage in the future,” said Zacharia.
LRMI reports is available every quarter on Sept.15, Dec. 15, March 15 and June 15.
To get the latest report for free and to find out how supply chain managers can take the LRMI survey for the next quarter go to: business.lehigh.edu/LRMI.
