As another year draws to a close, it’s time to prepare for how the supply chain process will change in 2022. There have been endless highs and lows for the procurement industry since the pandemic, including natural disasters and economic priorities. Along the way, manufacturers and suppliers have had to amend their way of work, as well as others within the supply chain.
According to Esben Poulsson, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, the worst is now over for global supply chains. This is a relief, as procurement has been a challenge due to a lack of open country borders, staff loss, and more. Now, we should be able to look at the silver linings of what we’ve experienced, as we’ll be more prepared than ever to face supply shortages.
Here are a few ways in which processes will change in 2022:
The Supply Chain Process Requires Advance Planning
At Unimed, we’ve always been determined to plan ahead of schedule. Locking in orders with partners is a way to confirm cost-effective prices for medical products. Secondly, it enables planning for future needs. Research institutions, hospitals, universities and other partners have placed orders with Unimed far in advance. However, this doesn’t impact our quick turnaround time and ability to work on any incoterms. It’s about learning from this year and preparing for the procurement challenges 2022 may bring us.
Sustainability is the Future
Rather than simply talking about sustainability, it’s coming into action. If anyone is to source medical equipment that brings universal health care, the impact it has on the planet is just as crucial. How we treat the ground we walk on circles back to woodland fires and rising sea levels. This matters for healthy living environments and creating safety for all.
This year, COP26 took place in which world leaders came together to discuss climate change. It’s not a subject to be taken lightly, as climate change impacts natural disasters such as Haiti earthquakes and California wildfires. As a procurement business, we aim to lead by example by pushing sustainability practices into the new year, which will be nothing but positive.
Relationships Will Strengthen
During the height of COVID-19, procurement partners (and those everywhere) learnt that relationships are key to making the best out of a bad situation. As long as teams work together, there will always be a solution.
With offices in a range of cities across the world, including London, Mumbai, Dubai, Shanghai and Cape Town, we always source as local as we can. This helps local businesses, as well as having varied availability to source medical equipment in any region. However, we can obtain medical products from anywhere in the world in correlation with our suppliers and manufacturers.
The supply chain process will only grow stronger from 2022 into the future, and the Unimed team is ready to make changes to align with healthcare needs.
