People around the world are learning the hard way how completely dependent we all are upon reliable supply chains to keep our economy — and our lifestyles — running. In the shadow of quarantines and social distancing guidelines, consumers have had to rely more than ever on ecommerce to deliver necessities. Dramatic spikes in online shopping have strained existing delivery systems’ ability to keep up with demand.
Product shortages have cropped up in stores and online retail sites as well as in the critical infrastructure of our healthcare systems, practically overnight. This jarring experience draws attention to the complexity and interconnectedness of supply chain logistics that power successful commerce. The huge, coordinated effort of providing products to the people who need them takes place behind the scenes, largely unnoticed by consumers until now.