The holidays are here! But alongside the festive cheer, many businesses face a challenge - how to navigate the complexities of their supply chains in the busiest time of the year.

Food and beverage supply chains are always vulnerable to disruption but consumer behavior during the festive season is notoriously unpredictable. This volatility makes it crucial to have a resilient and adaptable supply chain that can handle the Christmas rush. Whether you're a food manufacturer facing stock shortages or a retailer dealing with unpredictable demand for the latest must-have item, your supply chain is your lifeline this holiday.

So it's time to evolve and conquer the challenges ahead. And that's why we're giving you our top three tips on how to prepare for supply chain disruption each Christmas.

1. Cut back on wastage with data insights

Forget relying on gut feelings and complex spreadsheets! It's time to unlock the power of your supply chain's data and use its analytics to drive your decision making.

Start by looking at:

• Your sales figures and performance from Christmases past - what worked and what didn't? What times were your busiest and quietest and can you schedule working patterns around this?
• The weather patterns and how this may affect your operations - will it be a white Christmas?
• Social media trends to see what recipes are popular and if anything specific is in demand.
• Customer demographics to understand who's buying what.

By using this information to optimise inventory levels and predict upcoming demand, you can cut business costs and on top of that, reduce food waste.

With Orderly's supply chain management software, you'll find these game-changing insights and more, boosting your bottom line and your sustainability.

2. Adopt (and shout about) green practices

In today's world, embracing sustainability isn't just good for the planet -it's good for business! Consumers are choosing brands that align with their environmental values, rewarding those with commitments to environmental and social responsibility. That's why, in preparation for the holiday season, it's crucial to reduce waste throughout your operations.

There are several things you can do to implement green practices in your supply chain, from from sourcing sustainable ingredients to using eco-friendly packaging. Bring in greener delivery practices and optimise your logistics to minimise your carbon footprint.

And don't be shy about telling the world what you're doing!  Share your sustainability story on social media, in your email newsletters, and on your website. Authenticity wins. Just ask Starbucks – they're using Orderly to achieve their environmental goals while also streamlining their supply chain!

3. Create better supply chain links – or switch your strategy

It may also be time to reimagine your supply chain entirely. According to a survey by Deloitte, 79% of companies with high-performing supply chains achieve revenue growth that's higher than their industry average.

Explore new models like Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) to own your customer relationships, gather invaluable first-party data, and optimise production. By cutting out intermediaries, you gain greater control over your brand, messaging, and customer experience, ensuring a smooth and personalised journey for your customers this Christmas.

Or, if D2C isn't right for you, supercharge your existing inventory management with real-time tracking, automated ordering, and seamless supplier integration. Orderly has the tools to streamline your operations and give you complete control, no matter how complex your supply chain.

How we help

Don't just survive the holiday season, thrive in it! Orderly's cutting-edge supply chain management solutions empower your business to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Book a demo today and let's ensure your supply chain delivers a truly magical Christmas, for you and your customers!