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Strategies for Coping With Ongoing Supply Chain Disruptions

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations have faced supply chain disruptions. Many provinces and territories have experienced these challenges that resulted from border closures, movement restrictions and business shutdowns. A recent survey conducted by Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters found that 9 out of 10 Canadian manufacturers are facing supply chain issues.

Additionally, over one-quarter (28.2 per cent) of businesses expect difficulty acquiring inputs, products or supplies domestically over the next three months, according to Statistics Canada. As such, organizations have had to adapt and find ways to operate despite these challenges.

The following are a few strategies your organizations can implement to cope with ongoing supply chain disruptions:

Allow for extra lead time. Consider planning ahead by placing orders earlier than normal. This will provide extra time for the supplies to reach their destination before they are actually needed.
Re-evaluate processes. Take a look at every element of your organization’s process to see if there are areas that can be altered. There may be steps in the process that can be eliminated or combined to cut down on supplies or time.
Find local solutions. If your organization is relying on international partners, consider finding closer solutions that will take less time to transport. Not only can you cut back on shipping times, but you will also be supporting a local business.
Be transparent. Supply chain disruptions can still be unpredictable, no matter how much you prepare for them. The best thing you can do is communicate challenges with clients, partners and customers and offer possible solutions for unexpected delays.
Adopt new technologies. New technologies can help save time and reduce costs. Some organizations even use artificial intelligence to help process supply chain data and make more informed decisions.

For more information about how to mitigate commercial risks, contact your iridium risk advisor.

We selected Iridium as our insurance partner as they provided a unique business and risk management focus that was aligned with our vision. Their team performed a comprehensive assessment of our insurance requirements utilizing a risk-assessment approach. Not only were we impressed with their initial assessment, but their ongoing service level, engagement and commitment has demonstrated to us that they are a valuable business partner. I would strongly recommend Iridium as a risk management partner.

—Stuart W. Jaggard
Chief Financial Officer,
Painted Pony Energy Ltd.

Iridium provides us with the guidance we need to ensure we have the proper coverage for our business. Iridium goes beyond the traditional broker role enabling us to explore different and new avenues that helped identify and address our various risk exposures.

—Marcia Elaschuk, CMA
Controller,
Divestco Inc.

We can always count on Iridium to be available at a moment’s notice. Whether it be to discuss a random insurance related topic, review a contract, or request documentation for board level meetings, they always deliver regardless of timing. Iridium has been great at bringing forward ideas, issues and solutions that have helped Perpetual build a better insurance program. They also introduced us to a new marketing strategy of building direct relationships with the underwriting community. Not only did it pay dividends at the time Iridium first became our broker, but it has continued to do so in subsequent renewals. Their professionalism, ability to speak on a technical level and refreshing style are all big reasons why our firms continue to do business.

—Jeffrey R. Green
Vice President,
Perpetual Energy Inc.

Since partnering with Iridium Risk Services, we have benefited greatly from their knowledge and enthusiasm to build an insurance program that addresses the unique exposures in our industry. The team at Iridium has been incredibly responsive and meticulous in providing advice and reviewing contracts. The attention to detail they have shown through the risk workshop process and on an ongoing basis is exactly what has made them stand out as a risk management partner to Fresnel (Vitruvi). As our company expands, we know we can rely on Iridium to provide continuous support and help our company achieve its goals.

—Allan Schaefer, Director of Finance, Vitruvi Software

When TransCanada Turbines aligned our business with Iridium, you were dealing with a group of TCT people with very limited exposure to the Risk/Insurance industry. Your ability to articulate insurance matters and jargon into clear terms enabled us to feel comfortable with all of our insurance and contractual decisions. Your team’s willingness to support our business for everything from education and transformational activities to our frequent questions regarding our transactional business dealing has been over the top. We will tell you that TransCanada Turbines would not hesitate to recommend Iridium to anyone. Your team service is excellent, your approach is transparent and your willingness to help is tireless. We look forward to a long and symbiotic relationship with the entire Iridium Team. Well done!

—Tim Wilcox
Vice President,
TransCanada Turbines

The team at Iridium is professional, approachable and knowledgeable. Prior to the sale of our business, insurance was managed by an internal risk management corporate group. Iridium was engaged to establish insurance coverage within a short period of time for the standalone business. Iridium was intimately involved in proposing solutions to mitigate risk and brought significant cost savings to our business. Iridium is a true risk partner for our business; providing education and training, expert contract review and risk assessments, along with a strong understanding of our company’s exposures and insurance coverage.

—Wes Morningstar
Chief Executive Officer and Director,
Canlin Energy Corporation.

Iridium’s unique approach and in depth understanding for our business made for a thorough and seamless insurance placement. We can always rely on their guidance and exceptionally prompt responses. Iridium’s knowledge and strong service focus gives us confidence in knowing the job will get done right!

—Dave Hawkins, CA
Chief Executive Officer,
Groundforce geoDrilling Solutions Inc.

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