How COVID-19 Disrupted More Than Toilet Paper
Operations leaders from Atlanta – and beyond – took an afternoon break at Tech Square ATL (TSQATL) Social Club’s virtual Power Meal to discuss the success and failures in logistics stemming from COVID disruptions. Hosted by Ian Edelson (Amazon), other participants included Laron Burns (Siemens), Melanie Davis (Siemens), and Maxwell Bonnie (Saltbox).
As we watched the world demand an increase in toilet paper, hand sanitizers, and face masks, Laron Burns, consulting commodity manager, was busy calculating out how to continue the supply chain at Siemens. She found herself negotiating directly with governments instead of companies to maintain global supply lines.
“I buy a lot of electronic components for our supply contract manufacturers. Many electronics are in the Asian market and many of those places were completely shut down. So we had to figure out ways to try and convince governments, sometimes it was state governments, that certain companies should stay open because they are considered essential.”
As CEO of Saltbox, a startup that provides warehouse and office space to members, Maxwell Bonnie saw firsthand how smaller companies were impacted. Many needed to pivot and invest in new technologies that allowed them to fulfill back orders. Ian Eldeson, operations manager at Amazon, gave some insight on why ports are the biggest pain point for people in regards to getting their supply. He directed Power Meal attendees to look more into the Baltic Dry Index, a shipping and trade index that measures the changes in the cost of transporting various raw materials.
Power Meals are a great way to connect with members of Tech Square ATL Social Club and discuss an intriguing topic. Let us know in the comments how COVID-19 has disrupted any of your products.