What Makes a Supply Chain Truly Resilient

A few years ago, I faced a supply chain crisis that still shapes how I approach resilience today. A key supplier, one I had trusted for years suddenly couldn’t deliver on a critical order. Panic set in.

Deadlines loomed, production schedules were at risk and the team looked to me for answers.

Instead of scrambling for quick fixes, I leaned on relationships and transparency. I reached out to alternative suppliers but also collaborated closely with the original supplier to understand the root cause.

Surprisingly, their honesty about internal challenges allowed us to co-create a solution faster than I had anticipated. Some orders were rerouted, timelines adjusted and risks mitigated not perfectly, but effectively.

That experience taught me that a resilient supply chain isn’t just about backups or technology. It’s about trust, willingness to remain flexible and clear, honest communication. It’s the networks you nurture, the contingency plans you refine and the courage to adapt when the unexpected happens.

Resilience isn’t built overnight. It’s forged in the moments when things go wrong and in how you respond. For me, that crisis was less about the supply chain breaking, and more about discovering the strength within the people, processes and partnerships I’d invested in.

When your next challenge hits, ask yourself: “Is my supply chain truly resilient?”

Need procurement specific training? Reach out to support@efemini.com and we'll get you sorted.