CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA – March 28, 2024 – In the aftermath of the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD, President of LMA Consulting Group Inc., emphasizes the profound and wide-ranging impacts on global supply chains. The bridge’s destruction not only disrupts local traffic and logistics but also sends shockwaves through international trade routes, highlighting the critical need for robust supply chain resilience strategies.
The incident, which tragically claimed lives and caused significant infrastructural damage, poses immediate challenges to the Baltimore port – the 5th largest container port on the U.S. East Coast. With the port effectively cut off, the repercussions extend far beyond the immediate delays and diversions. “This disaster underscores the interconnected nature of global supply chains and the cascading effects a single disruption can have,” Ms. Anderson notes. “It’s a stark reminder of why companies must prioritize flexibility, diversification and contingency planning.”
In response to the bridge collapse, Anderson advocates for the adoption of nearshoring, reshoring, friendly shoring and regional manufacturing strategies. These approaches not only mitigate risks but also enhance supply chain responsiveness and sustainability. “The current crisis highlights the vulnerabilities in our supply chains and the pressing need for strategic adjustments,” she states.
Drawing from her extensive experience in supply chain optimization, Anderson calls for a proactive stance with processes like Sales Inventory Operations Planning (SIOP) and the development of multiple backup plans. Her insights are informed by the broader context of recent disruptions, including drought conditions in the Panama Canal and geopolitical tensions affecting the Suez Canal. “In today’s volatile environment, a single backup is insufficient. Businesses must think several steps ahead to navigate and thrive amidst uncertainties,” Anderson asserts.
LMA Consulting remains at the forefront of guiding businesses through supply chain challenges, offering strategic insights and tools such as the Supply Chain Profitability Assessment. This tool encourages organizations to critically evaluate their supply chain operations, fostering agility and strategic foresight.
LMA Consulting specializes in guiding businesses through turbulent times with strategic formulation, comprehensive supply chain transformation and resilience-building solutions. For more insights, download Ms. Anderson’s eBook, SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning): Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth.
About LMA Consulting Group – Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD
Lisa Anderson is the founder and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc., specializing in manufacturing strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation. A recognized supply chain thought leader, Ms. Anderson has been named a Top 40 B2B Tech Influencer by arketi group, a Top 16 ERP Expert to Follow by Washington-Frank, among the Top 10 Women in Supply Chain by Warner PR, in the top 55 Supply Chain & Logistics Experts by flexport, and a woman leader in Supply Chain by RateLinx. Her primer, “I’ve Been Thinking.” offers strategies for creating bold customer promises and profits. An expert on the SIOP process, advancing innovation and enhancing supply chain resilience, Ms. Anderson is regularly interviewed and quoted by leading publications. For information, sign up for her Profit Through People® Newsletter or for a copy of her book, visit LMA-ConsultingGroup.com.
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Media Contact Kathleen McEntee | Kathleen McEntee & Associates, Ltd. | p. (760) 262 – 4080 | KMcEntee@KMcEnteeAssoc.com