Supply systems were critical to Australia’s survival during the COVID-19 epidemic, but they were affected in big and small ways. Because of the resilience of Australian supply lines, essential medical supplies, food, and other essentials were available during the multiple lockdowns and border closures. Despite Australia’s strong global logistics, no one expected the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders in the business have been compelled to adapt to changing environmental conditions to keep the country functioning, with technology playing a critical role. Lockdowns and viral infections among key workers conspired to produce a situation that most supply chain leaders had never experienced before. Operators were forced to adjust at a breakneck speed at unprecedented times.
The pandemic is not a one-time event, and it will have long-term consequences on how people work and how supply networks operate. In order to deal with future difficulties, businesses must embed long-term resilience into their value chains. For each supply chain phase, various variables made lockdowns more difficult. The number of affected people in the supply chain was the most evident, causing unexpected delays because confirmed deliveries may be stopped without warning. For years, a dwindling driver pool has posed a problem for Australia’s transportation business. Supply systems were stretched to their limits as health difficulties impacted the availability of drivers even more.
It became a perfect storm, exacerbated by international supply chain interruptions that have harmed the industry’s capacity to function. Trucks have been unable to operate as usual due to a shortage of diesel additives and new tires. Australian supply of wooden pallets, which are needed to put every product in Australia onto a truck at some point, has run out. Many products have moved to air freight due to disruptions in international shipping, which is a more expensive option that is only made worse by rising fuel prices. Consumers have felt the pinch of rising pricing as practically every step of the logistical process has become more costly.
The logistics business in Australia has long been the backbone of the country’s economy. The issues it faces will influence every Australian, and they are unlikely to be resolved for at least another three years. The industry must be ready to deal with potholes and in light of this. Technology has developed the industry and gotten through the pandemic. Only by adopting new technologies will you be able to chart your path to future success.