Press Release
It’s NOT about the Toilet Tissue – But the Longer-Term Impacts
We see trolley loads of Toilet Tissue flying off the shelves, but what are we REALLY likely to see shortages of in the Longer Term?
The Global Supply Chain strain is now highly visible and concerns are being raised about the mid to longer term impacts on the availability of everyday items here in Australia.
But it’s not just longer-term availability to consumers, but the longer-term impact to local businesses!
Rob O’Byrne, CEO of Leading Supply Chain Consulting Firm Logistics Bureau, who works with many of Australia’s major brands, tries to be realistic.
“We need to be prepared for a 4 to 6 Month disruption to Supply” says O’Byrne.
Whilst many Australian companies can ‘ramp up’ local production to cope with the current phase of panic buying, within 2-3 weeks we may see availability rapidly fall for products that are not locally produced. What are the likely short and longer term impacts within Australia?
O’Byrne is of the view that:
- Food staples, that are 80-90% supplied should be the least and last affected.
- But household goods, particularly cookware, electronics and budget priced clothing may suffer lower availability very soon.
- But it’s the longer-term impact that concern him the most.
- The reduction of imported products and components to supply local businesses will severely undermine their ability to weather this crisis.
- If a widespread Pandemic reaches Australian shores, and leads to the isolation of communities and movement restrictions, then the Supply Chain could start to grind to a halt.
Author and Supply Chain Expert and CEO of the Logistics Bureau Rob O’Byrne, consults to hundreds of leading organisations in Australia and around the World, and has spent 40 years involved in Supply Chain, His clients include many of the major food producers, processors and retailers in Australia.
