In his exclusive column for Installer, Tim Pollard takes a look at supply chain issues, and encourages installers to shop local.
My goodness, every time I come around to write this article we see yet further developments which are surprising, to say the least.
Now there would appear to be supply chain issues affecting all manner of sectors, including the built environment.
Not too long ago we were all in wonder at the sophistication of the global supply chain and manufacturers were told that if they were to survive then they would need to adopt ‘just in time’ supply agreements utilising world wide sources.
This seemed particularly important with the emergence of low labour cost economies in the Far East and elsewhere, which proved almost impossible to compete with on price terms.
Of course, what we know now is that the global supply chain can be subject to major disruption for any number of reasons including pandemics, weather, economics and unforeseen accidents. The global pandemic has forced shutdowns of many economies, causing shortages, and then the rush to restart operations has made the situation a hundred times worse.
Who would have predicted that a container ship blocking the Suez Canal would cause such mayhem with product supply? We have previously seen the effects of severe weather on overseas supply when high winds, tidal waves and fires have been incredibly disruptive.
The global supply chain is also likely to come under close scrutiny on environmental grounds. The impact of goods being transported halfway around the world using trucks, trains, ships and planes is both widespread and damaging.
It is also true to say that whilst we may be making good progress at reducing our carbon emissions here in the United Kingdom, if we are becoming increasingly reliant on importing products from countries less committed to carbon reduction then we are not making real progress, we are simply exporting the problem?
All this make me think that perhaps we would be better served by shortening the supply chain in at least some of the circumstances which would, in turn, mean that we return to making things again. All parties of the supply chain have to be nimble to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and mitigating against some of the disruptions may be best achieved by having some local supply sources? This may also bring into question the whole concept of ‘the bigger, the better’.
I can certainly foresee the development of whole life impact assessments on products which would have to recognise the damage done elsewhere and the problems that may be caused after the primary use ends. The footprint of products may become one of the prime selection criteria for purchasers seeking to demonstrate their environmental stance.
Another good reason for popping down to your local?
