Clemson University Expert on Supply Chain Preparedness
September marks National Preparedness Month, a time when communities consider how to prepare for potential disasters. Aadhaar Chaturvedi, a supply chain expert at Clemson University, emphasizes that early preparation can help communities and their supply chains better withstand disruptions.
Chaturvedi, an associate professor of operations and supply chain management at Clemson University’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, advises consumers against waiting until the last day before a hurricane to purchase essentials. He notes that supply chains are not designed for such rapid responses, leading to items quickly running out of stock.
Purchasing nonperishable necessities several days in advance of a storm can help clear shelf space and warehouse capacity. This allows more products to move through the supply chain before conditions worsen.
Chaturvedi identifies two primary approaches companies use to prepare for disruptions: robustness and resiliency. Robustness involves integrating safeguards into a supply chain, such as maintaining extra inventory or securing alternative suppliers. Resiliency, on the other hand, focuses on an organization’s ability to quickly respond and adapt to a disruption.
For households, preparedness extends beyond stocking shelves. It involves anticipating potential problems a disaster could create and developing a plan before those issues arise.
