Supply chain managers and industry experts are continuing to focus on how to avoid supply chain disruptions in the wake of natural disasters.

"The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina sends yet another urgent message to businesses that they need to protect their supply chains against catastrophic events that disrupt the normal flow of global inventory," said Ted Scherck, analyst at the Colography Group in a keynote presentation to the Delta Nu Alpha society for logistics professionals. "In the weeks and months to come, companies that have not already done so should take a long, hard look at how their supply chains are constructed so they can cope with future incidents that can threaten to cut off their inventory."

Scherck went on to say that just-in-time inventory models work best for high-value commodities that are subject to rapid obsolescence, but inventory of lesser value with reduced time-sensitivity doesn't demand such expedited distribution and may expose organizations to higher risk during disruptions.

dhannon@reedbusiness.com