September 26, 2024

How to Navigate the Global Supply Chain for Printing Resources

The global supply chain for printing resources is in trouble, found in a survey by PRINTING United Alliance. Almost 200 companies in the printing world took part. This included commercial printers, graphic and sign makers, and those who decorate apparel. They highlighted the tough times the supply chain is facing. This includes not having enough substrates and consumables. To beat this issue, printing businesses need to think smart about how they manage their resources.

Boosting Domestic Capabilities Through On-Shoring and Near-Shoring

To deal with the printing resource supply chain globally, boosting domestic production helps. Companies often stocked up what they immediately needed, trusting supply chains to fill in the gaps.

But recently, global supply chain issues have shown the benefit of being more self-sufficient. On-shoring means bringing production back to the United States. Near-shoring moves it to close countries like Canada or Mexico. Governments are giving perks to push companies to choose these options.

Yet, not every industry or product fits reshoring. A focused strategy works better for some.

Easing Transportation Jams and Prioritizing Public Health

Getting printing resources across the world can hit snags, like transportation jams. These can be caused by port issues, not enough container boxes, and rising prices. As a result, businesses face product delivery delays and higher costs.

Experts suggest improving how we track shipments to dodge these transportation jams. Better tracking lets us spot and tackle issues before they cause a mess. They also point out that making port schedules smarter could make things run more smoothly. This would cut down on traffic at ports and the risk of delays.

Dealing with these transit issues goes hand in hand with keeping people healthy. The COVID-19 crisis especially shows why health is so important. Printing companies are urged to step up, using solid health rules to protect workers and keep the supply chains safe. They should focus on things like making workplaces cleaner, keeping people apart, and letting some employees work from home.

Choosing health first not only stops diseases from spreading but also keeps work going. The printing supply chain is always changing. To keep up and succeed in the long run, we must adjust and tackle new obstacles.