This article is the follow-up to part 1 on “Saving Lives with Supply Chains”.
3. Response
This phase is perhaps the most challenging. In a corporate business, time is money. In a humanitarian disaster, time is the life of impacted people. Minutes and even seconds can make a difference in saving lives. As all supply chain professionals know, information is key to manage and execute logistics operations. However, this is where the issue often arises. In the first hours after a disaster, obtaining information about needs (needs assessment, size of the affected population, damage levels, etc.) and logistics (distance from the hub, transportation capacity, access roads, etc.) can be extremely challenging, as the infrastructure of transport and communication in the impacted area is disrupted.
The goal in this phase is to gather as much information as possible to plan humanitarian aids and execute logistics processes efficiently. A push approach of supplies and other services in this initial phase of the disaster, which can last for one or two weeks, is generally the best strategy, as it aims to be more responsive. Transportation is the second most critical asset in the response phase. Therefore, organizations must continually assess transport service providers, government entities, the military, or private organizations with available fleets for potential humanitarian operations. Identifying the types of vehicles and their capabilities in terms of speed and reliability is vital. In this phase, real-time and reliable visibility of shipments, down to the minute, is crucial for reducing uncertainty during these challenging times and enabling people to plan their relief and recovery efforts accordingly.
As the situation becomes clearer after the initial weeks, a pull approach becomes more suitable. This approach focuses on efficiency. At SCM Globe, we propose an innovative concept that could be highly valuable in this phase – a “Massively Multiplayer Disaster Response Collaboration.” Imagine a cloud-based platform where all participants in a humanitarian or disaster response mission can log in to access real-time or near-real-time supply chain data displayed on a digital map. This platform allows users to run simulations and explore potential responses to challenges and opportunities that arise. It facilitates consensus-building for more effective and coordinated actions among all participants.
4. Recovery
The recovery phase in humanitarian logistics is most effective when initiated in the early days of a humanitarian response, not waiting until after the response phase concludes. It’s a pivotal stage focused on rebuilding and restoring communities after a crisis, emphasizing long-term strategies for sustainable development and resilience.
In this phase, the aim is to rebuild and restore communities by carefully allocating essential resources for reconstruction, including construction materials, medical supplies, and food aid. Critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, is meticulously restored, and organizations actively engage in capacity-building initiatives to empower communities to confront future challenges with confidence. Furthermore, the recovery phase actively supports sustainable development projects like reforestation and improving access to clean water, ultimately strengthening community resilience and fostering a brighter future.
The Role of SC Professionals and Commercial Businesses
Supply chain professionals and commercial businesses play a crucial role in supporting humanitarian efforts throughout the various phases of the Humanitarian Life Cycle.
Supply chain professionals have various avenues to make a difference, whether through volunteering, spearheading their organizations’ humanitarian initiatives, or affiliating with NPOs (nonprofit organizations) that provide supply chain assistance during times of disaster. Take the example of ALAN (American Logistics Aid Network). This entity was born out of the logistical challenges faced during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It’s an industry-wide organization that connects the logistics community with humanitarian organizations during disasters, offering transportation, warehousing, equipment, and expertise donations. ALAN also provides disaster relief education, real-time visibility, simulations, and partnership events.
Commercial businesses can also support humanitarian logistics efforts by providing resources, expertise, and technology. They can offer their supply chain solutions, such as inventory management systems, transportation networks, and warehousing facilities, to aid organizations.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that humanitarian aid isn’t just the job of aid organizations and NGOs. Commercial businesses also have a crucial role to play by making sure their supply chains can withstand disasters. This resilience makes them even more helpful to communities in need. So, having a strong business continuity plan is absolutely essential.
All these efforts should be guided by the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, reminding us that our shared humanity is the ultimate priority in times of crisis.