Adjustments to Supply Chains in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey

Since the beginning of 2020, many companies’ supply chains have been affected due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. From production stoppages in facilities to shortages of supplies, logistical problems, and shortages of labor, the problems persist even now. Many companies made adjustments to their supply chains to cope with the impacts of supply chain disruptions. These adjustments include changes in product offerings and production schedules, changes in sourcing and distribution strategies, and changes in scheduling work and outsourcing. In this research, we report on a survey of the effects of the pandemic on supply chains and the consequent adjustments made by companies to cope with these effects. The survey includes long-term and short-term adjustments in different industries such as automotive, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, transportation, and retail. We also present lessons learned from such disruptions and identify the factors for companies and industries to consider in making their supply chains resilient to similar disruptions.