SMART €�PLAN B€� €� IN FACE WITH DISRUPTION OF SUPPLY CHAINS IN 2020

Background: Competitive supply chain management is the ability not only to take corrective actions against the risk occurred, but above all prevents such a situation on a daily basis. Risk management is permanent element of management abilities and one of the most important factor impacting on supply chain resilience. Today managers have access to many tools, i.e. digital technologies, supporting the development of contingency plans (Plan B) for risk mitigation. The aim of the paper is to identify supply chain resilience in terms of risk management during the beginning of the COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 pandemic spread in 2020. The most important factors impacting on supply chain flows stability are pointed here together with the assessment of their preparation for these flows disruption. 

Methods: The theoretical background is based on the literature review on disruption of supply chain management in general. The In-depth individual interview (IDI) method supported with questionnaire was used to conduct research among managers responsible for supply chain operations within the enterprises from the production, trade and services sectors in Poland. Opinions and a number of views on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on business operations and supply chain management were obtained and analyzed. The survey was conducted in March 2020.

Results: The results obtained show that the first phase of pandemic spread unexpectedly strongly and impacted on disruption in the supply chains. Closed borders, sanitary and administrative restrictions have leaded to transport delays, additionally the lower number of orders was noted causing many disruptions in the further flow of the goods. Surprisingly the disruption happened even when managers synergistically cooperate and share information among partners.

Conclusions: Results of the research pointed out the critical problem with the lack of “Plan B” helping supply chains quickly react on disruptions occurring in the flows. Also managing risk based on the current way of sharing information is insufficient. Features of digital technologies and digitalization are currently one of the most important solution that might help to build smart “Plan B” for risk mitigation and supply chain competitiveness improvement.