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Supply chain security is an integral part of supply chain management that looks at the risks associated with external suppliers, vendors, and others. Ultimately, the goal of supply chain security is to identify, analyse, and mitigate the risks that come as part of working with other organisations.
Most organisations working in the construction and manufacturing sectors will be aware of the continued supply chain difficulties being experienced in their industries. Ongoing disruption to building material supplies and labour shortages covering various trades are affecting these organisations’ ability to complete jobs.
With these current shortages set to be here for the foreseeable future, it’s important that organisations in the construction and manufacturing sector ensure their supply chain is as secure as possible going forward.
Creating a secure supply chain
It is in a business’ best interest to ensure that their supply chain is secure because a breach of supply chain security could cause major disruption to your business’ ability to deliver your products or services consistently, which in turn threatens your reputation with existing and prospective customers alike.
We’ve put together a few questions to help you think about how secure your supply chain is already and tips on how to make your supply chain even more secure into the future.
Communication
Communication plays an integral part of supply chain management. Organisations should be in regular contact with suppliers to ensure that everything is on track and to mitigate any issues that either party may be having.
It is important that all organisations make sure they are frequently in contact with their supply chain partners, and that they have an easy means of communication set up.
Being able to easily communicate with your supply chain also makes it easier to regularly audit your suppliers to ensure that they have the correct measures in place to provide the service or materials promised in the agreed time frame.
Cybersecurity and the supply chain
Over the last few decades, technology has revolutionised the way we do business, including playing a huge role in supply chain management. With a number of new technologies, like virtual meeting spaces and digital management systems, being utilised for better management of a supply chain, organisations are leaning on technology more than ever before.
However, cyber security threats and technology come hand-in-hand. Therefore, it’s essential that organisations implement adequate procedures and policies to mitigate cyber threats.
Whilst technology evolves, so must an organisation’s cyber security, which requires regular review of your cyber policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective.
With outside suppliers also heavily leaning on technology, organisations must ensure they have checks and systems in place to protect their business from technology used by an outside supplier.
ISO and quality management
One of the most important Standards for supply chain security and management is ISO 9001.
The International Standard is designed to help organisations ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders by having a framework that ensures consistency in the quality and in the provision of goods or services that organisations offer.
Over 1 million organisations globally have adopted ISO 9001, and it is used by a wide range of businesses to continually monitor, manage, and improve the quality of their product or service.
An ISO 9001 Quality Management System can help organisations streamline processes, reduce errors, use their time more effectively, and improve communications. All of this ultimately leads to a more secure supply chain.
Becoming ISO 9001 certified can provide a number of benefits, both for your organisation and your customers, including:
- Increased efficiency
- Better decision making
- Improved record keeping
- Continuous improvement
If you’d like to chat to the experts about how to bolster your supply chain security in 2022 with ISO 9001, simply contact QMS International today.
