Being adaptive must become the new normal for business

The current global pandemic has brought many businesses and industries to a grinding holt, with many companies learning how to navigate a new normal for business, safety and life as we know it. The consequences of Covid-19 have been felt across all industries in the global economy, forcing businesses to pivot and adapt their supply chains in order continue to serve their customers.

It requires seeing and doing things differently for companies to make these essential changes to working environments and conquer unforeseen challenges in order to keep a tight clench on their position in the economy all while making sure that they prioritise employee and customer safety.

We touched base with Arshud Maiter, RCL FOODS’ Supply Chain Executive, who explained how RCL FOODS has been navigating this trying time as an essential service, and driving sustainable business while maintaining continuity of its supply chain.  

1. What does a day in the life of a Supply Chain Executive look like?

Since the start of Covid-19, my day has revolved around communication, coordination and adapting to changing circumstances. It usually starts with a meeting with the factory team to understand our stock position, production and any updates on plans. I then call our frontend customer teams to provide updates to our customers. We check in with the business unit executive team to ensure that the right protocols are being followed for our employees’ safety. My afternoons are generally looking at key projects to improve our route to market, as our primary objective is ensuring we always provide an exceptional customer service.

2. What do you love about being an Integrated Customer Excellence Executive?

No two days are ever the same. It is an ever-changing environment, especially now during Covid-19, I love that I get to interact with a vast array of people right across the business.

3. How has the lockdown impacted on the Supply Chain at RCL FOODS?

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a vastly different world. For our business, we needed to quickly priortise a safe working environment for our employees while adapting to meet the needs of our customers. The management of Covid-19 has come at a cost, but the clear direction that we have received from our Leadership team has enabled us to continue to operate effectively in these unprecedented times.

4. What has RCL FOODS done differently to ensure continuity of the Supply Chain at RCL FOODS?

We started with making sure that we put protocols in place for the safety of our employees fast which then enabled us to continue operating effectively.

5. Share your thoughts on how the Covid-19 pandemic has and will transform supply chain on a global scale.

Supply chains have changed predominantly on the sourcing front, with countries previously being reliant on imported raw materials now looking at local alternatives. Although we live in a “global village”, this pandemic has been a big catalyst in getting us to source local goods. Food Security is also going to become  an increasingly important topic, as we start to operate in this new world post-Covid-19.

Although the national lockdown posed great threats on business continuity around the world, RCL FOODS has been able to navigate the new normal and maintain its supply chain productivity by working together and doing MORE to prioritose the safety of its employees and customers.