With the considerable supply chain disruptions brought on by the pandemic and amid escalating inflation, supply chain resilience is more critical than ever before. The unforeseen pandemic of late has presented a range of challenges that many supply chains were clearly, often admittedly, unprepared for. Labor shortages, shipping cost surges, new patterns of production, and consumption have all played a key role in disrupting business logistics, upending markets, industries, and whole economies in the process. In its wake are logistics, procurement, and other supply chain professionals who continue to suffer stress and chaos on the front line, scrambling to react to newly exposed systemic weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
 
 “In order to prepare against unforeseen and inevitable turbulent events ahead, it’s important to take proactive measures to identify the most inherently fragile areas within a supply chain,” urges Nirav Patel, CEO of Bristlecone, a leading provider of connected logistics solutions that’s part of the $19 billion dollar Mahindra Group. “In this post-pandemic era, we need to challenge conventional thinking and pursue digital innovation on a much larger and more significant scale. Embracing emerging technologies like AI and SAP integration can transform and fortify companies with an appropriate level of resilience and agility to defend against future crises and unforeseen challenges.”

While there are numerous reasons why supply chains are disrupted; there are a few prime culprits: