Last updated on Jul 29, 2024

You're facing import/export disruptions. How do you choose which trade routes to protect?

Navigating import/export disruptions can be daunting. With a myriad of factors influencing global trade routes, from geopolitical tensions to natural disasters, it's vital to identify which routes are critical to your business operations. The key is to evaluate the importance of each route based on criteria like cost, time sensitivity, and the availability of alternatives. By doing so, you can prioritize the protection of trade routes that are most vital to maintaining your supply chain's integrity and your company's bottom line.

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1 Risk Analysis

When choosing trade routes to protect, conducting a thorough risk analysis is essential. Evaluate the potential threats each route faces, such as political instability, piracy, or natural disasters. Consider the frequency and impact of these disruptions on your operations. This analysis helps you understand which routes are more susceptible to interruptions and allows you to develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks. Prioritizing routes with the highest risk of disruption ensures that you safeguard the most vulnerable segments of your supply chain.

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Armando Gómez

Supply Chain Security Manager (SCSM)
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Dentro de las metodologías que se podrían implementar para el análisis de riesgos ARP,(Análisis de Riesgos Preventivo) pueden ser los sistemas de gestión de las certificaciones CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) y OEA México (Operador Económico Autorizado, así como ISO 28000 e ISO 31000.

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2 Cost Impact

Assessing the cost impact of disruptions on different trade routes is a critical step. Analyze the financial implications of delays, increased freight costs, or loss of goods in transit. This assessment will help you determine which routes are cost-effective to protect, ensuring that your resources are allocated efficiently. By protecting routes with the highest cost impact, you can minimize financial losses and maintain profitability during times of uncertainty in the import/export landscape.

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3 Time Sensitivity

Time-sensitive goods require special attention when protecting trade routes. Determine which products have the shortest shelf life or are in high demand, necessitating quick delivery. If your business relies on perishable items or just-in-time manufacturing, securing these routes becomes a priority to prevent spoilage or production delays. By focusing on time-sensitive routes, you ensure that critical goods reach their destination on schedule, maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

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4 Alternative Routes

Exploring alternative routes is a proactive approach to import/export operations. Identify secondary routes that can serve as backups in case your primary routes face disruptions. This may involve different transportation modes or ports of entry. Having alternatives in place provides flexibility and resilience, allowing you to reroute shipments quickly and maintain a steady flow of goods. By establishing alternative routes, you can adapt to changing conditions without significant interruptions to your supply chain.

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5 Supplier Relations

Maintaining strong relationships with your suppliers is crucial when trade routes are disrupted. Communicate openly about potential risks and collaborate on solutions to safeguard shipments. Strong partnerships enable you to negotiate better terms, secure priority shipping, and gain insights into local conditions that may affect transit. By prioritizing routes that involve key suppliers, you enhance cooperation and ensure a more reliable supply chain, even in the face of disruptions.

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Armando Gómez

Supply Chain Security Manager (SCSM)
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La seguridad los socios comerciales, no solo depende de las las relaciones entre cliente proveedor, como transportistas y exportadores. Los socios comerciales son parte de la curaduría que se establece para la continuidad del negocio, un proveedor de Diesel, Llantas, plataformas digitales, proveedores internos, etc. deberán será analizados bajo un modelos de gestión para establecer controles, entre socios comerciales críticos de impacto económico y socios comerciales de menor relevancia. No solo los clientes con Socios Comerciales, si no también los proveedores de riesgo critico para nuestras operaciones de comercio exterior.

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6 Inventory Strategy

Lastly, consider your inventory strategy when deciding which trade routes to protect. Analyze your current stock levels and determine if you can build buffer inventory for critical products. This strategy may influence which routes you prioritize, as having additional stock can mitigate the impact of disruptions on certain routes. By aligning your inventory strategy with route protection decisions, you create a buffer against unforeseen delays, ensuring continuous availability of essential goods.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Armando Gómez

Supply Chain Security Manager (SCSM)
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La seguridad de las Cadenas de Suministros, forma parte de la cultura de una organización, no basta con tener, políticas una misión o una visión de la empresa, es necesario arraigar una cultura con el personal que labora, desde el guardia de seguridad intramuros, el reclutador, el administrador de flotas, el monitorista de dispositivos de seguimiento, hasta el CTO de la empresa, cada integrante es parte de la cultura, que incluso debe de sentirse en los consejos de administración, a mayor exposición de riesgos, mayor afectación financiera si no se cuentan con los controles y planes de reacción necesarios, probados y aprendidos.

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You're facing import/export disruptions. How do you choose which trade routes to protect?

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2

3

4

5

6

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1 Risk Analysis

2 Cost Impact

3 Time Sensitivity

4 Alternative Routes

5 Supplier Relations

6 Inventory Strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

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You're facing import/export disruptions. How do you choose which trade routes to protect?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Risk Analysis

2 Cost Impact

3 Time Sensitivity

4 Alternative Routes

5 Supplier Relations

6 Inventory Strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Import/Export Operations

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