When facing supply chain disruptions, prioritize materials based on criticality, lead times, and project impact. Focus on: Critical path items Long lead time materials Limited availability components Cost-sensitive elements Deadline-critical materials Example: In solar panel production, prioritize silicon wafers. They're crucial, have long lead times, and limited suppliers. Delaying silicon procurement could halt production and increase costs. Less critical items like packaging can be sourced later. This approach maintains project momentum by securing the most essential materials first.

When dealing with supply chain disruptions, my first step is to identify the materials that are critical to keeping operations running smoothly. I then look at lead times prioritizing items that take longer to arrive to prevent bottlenecks later on. But it’s not just about timelines; I also consider the financial impact. If a material’s scarcity could significantly drive up costs or affect production, it becomes a priority. Staying flexible, working closely with suppliers, and constantly monitoring the situation are key to making the best decisions during uncertain times.

During supply chain disruptions, effective strategies can help minimize the impact on your business operations. Here are some approaches to consider: 1. **Diversify your supplier network**: Partnering with multiple suppliers across different regions reduces dependency on a single source and increases the chances of obtaining materials when disruptions occur. 2. **Improve demand forecasting**: Accurately predicting demand helps prevent overstocking or understocking, reducing the need for urgent procurement during supply chain disruptions. 3. **Build safety stock**: Maintaining a strategic reserve of critical materials can provide a buffer during temporary shortages or delivery delays.

At least for CDMOs and pharmaceuticals in broader term, the rule of thumb for supply quality is “equal or better”. You have to meet and sometimes exceed your specs to be sure your new supply is satisfactory. It bears repeating that client’s and other stakeholders’ directions as well as lead time and critical path impacts could influence the decision. Nonetheless the mentioned rule is a good starting point to evaluate one’s options.