The Importance of Supply Chain Risk Assessment for South African Businesses

The way businesses have operated in South Africa since the onset of the pandemic has been heavily impacted by the need to adapt to lockdowns, business continuity plans and the change to remote working. As a result, the way in which businesses are managing and running their supply chains has also been put under pressure. It is therefore essential that business owners and managers take the time to assess the risks within their supply chains with a view to making any necessary changes to limit any disruption and impact.

It is estimated that supply chain risk accounts for up to 15% of total business costs and yet, according to a 2020 survey, only 28% of South African businesses have adopted a risk assessment strategy. It is clear that businesses must take the steps necessary to evaluate the potential risks they face in order to minimise the associated costs, keep business continuity and manage the customer journey more effectively.

Why should businesses in South Africa assess their supply chain risk?

By assessing their supply chain risks, South African businesses can not only identify potential issues but also discover ways to mitigate the risks, enabling them to maintain the successful operation of their business. Assessing potential risks can also help businesses to strengthen supply chain relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.

Supply chain risk assessments are designed to identify any areas of weakness in a business’s supply chain and the potential impacts that these risks could have on the business’s operations and customer experience. By taking the time to analyse and assess supply chain risk, businesses are better equipped to handle any issues that arise, without overrunning costs or compromising on customer satisfaction.

Evaluating risk can also help businesses to keep up with the changing needs of their customers and the wider market, while also driving improved cost management. The risk assessment can consist of analysing existing data, listening to customer feedback, reviewing customer experience journeys and mapping out potential risks by mapping supply chain flows. This allows businesses to identify any blockers or risks that could disrupt customer experience, such as lack of materials, operational disruption or changes in customer demand.

How can QikTruck help businesses assess their supply chain risk?

QikTruck is an on-demand truck and driver hire service that helps businesses to assess and manage supply chain risk in South Africa. QikTruck provides businesses with access to a range of trucks and drivers, allowing them to monitor their supply chain with accuracy and precision. This is particularly useful for businesses in rural areas or areas where roads are often damaged or impassable, making it difficult to regularly transport goods. By hiring and managing the vehicles and drivers themselves, businesses can ensure the safe and timely transfer of goods throughout the supply chain, reducing disruption and costs.

QikTruck’s on-demand truck and driver hire services are designed to help businesses identify and manage risk, as well as optimise their supply chain operations. The company’s driver and vehicle tracking technology helps businesses to monitor their supply chain in real-time, thereby improving the accuracy and timeliness of deliveries. The tracking data can also be used to monitor customer experience and identify any potential delays in the supply chain.

QikTruck’s trucks and drivers are also equipped with the latest safety standards and equipment, such as GPS tracking and in-vehicle cameras, to ensure the safe and secure delivery of goods. This is particularly important in remote areas, where the roads are often poorly maintained. By using QikTruck’s services, businesses can effectively manage and assess their supply chain risk, helping to improve customer satisfaction and reduce any disruption to operations.

Conclusion

As South Africa continues to battle through the pandemic, it is essential that businesses take the necessary steps to assess and evaluate their supply chain risk. Doing so can help to ensure customer satisfaction is maintained, costs kept to a minimum and operations remain disrupted. QikTruck is an on-demand truck and driver hire service that can help South African businesses to assess, track and manage their supply chain risk for a safer, more cost-effective journey for their customers.