HPCs Supply Chain Management

Risk management and mitigation techniques have emerged as central elements of successful supply chain management strategies, especially for health and personal care. From fluctuations in fuel costs to the uncertain politics and economies of countries from which raw materials and component products are sourced, disruptions and delays of supply chain flows threaten the profitability of every firm competing in today's global business environment.

These risks are particularly poignant in the health and personal care (HPC) industry, where a single container of product may be worth millions of dollars and require stringent temperature control across a broad spectrum of environmental conditions. Disruptions in HPC supply chains often impact more than just the economic bottom-line; inability to get products to the right place at the right time in the right condition often has serious implications for personal and public health. Among the most prominent areas of risk for HPC supply chain managers are temperature control, fuel cost, and product flow visibility.

Many are tackling these problems by attempting to use operational techniques that help to minimize the risk associated with rising fuel costs. Some HPC firms are taking the opportunity to consolidate logistics decision and transportation freight flows not only across SBUs within their own organizations, but also across their supply chains by working with customers, suppliers, carriers and even competitors to align freight flows on both front and back haul lanes, thus optimizing the effectiveness of transportation assets and reducing fuel costs.

Best is to partner with a supply chain solutions company that specialize in value chain management or retail supply chain for the HPC industry. HPC firms can benefit from the expertise and experience of such specialized companies.