For supply chains, living with uncertainty is just a part of the job. Delayed logistics, shortages and increased tariffs are all things that have gone wrong in supply chains. And, of course, all of these challenges cost money. In fact, it’s probably not surprising to learn that suppliers can blow through their annual budgets within the first quarter.
Why Not Just Increase Annual Budgets?
Because our industry is temperamental, suppliers aren’t in a position to increase budgets to support these unplanned expenses. And because the majority of a company’s overhead comes from the supply chain, they are always the ones being tasked with reducing expenses. So, supply chains need to adjust their strategy to make room for inherent uncertainty.
Give Me the Bad News
Supply chain managers say that about 60% of their annual spend is unplanned (let that sink in for a minute). This could lead to millions of dollars seeping out of your company. Is there a way to put a metaphorical plug in the leak?
Is There Any Good News?
Our industry is challenged with trying to thrive in an archaic process. Luckily for us, technology allows us to get smarter every day. When Plan A fails and you need a Plan B to supplement your supply chain, there’s Zirks.
Why Zirks?
Zirks is the cost-effective way to get commodities from overseas. Have a late shipment? No worries, we have one already on the water. A customer is looking for a particular commodity fastener and your shipment won’t get here for another 6 weeks? Guess what? We have that item on the water. Manufacturer shut down its operation for a few weeks, leaving you in the lurch? You guessed it; we already have a shipment on the water and can make your deadline.
Do we have every imaginable commodity fastener on the water at all time? No. But we are working hard to get the items you need the most. We like to call it aggregating market demand. Simply share with us what you need, and we’ll work to get the most in-demand commodities on the water and one step closer to you.
But Can’t I Just Buy Domestic?
Of course, you can always purchase domestic when you’re in a pinch. But, it comes at a cost. And for a line of business looking to save money, domestic isn’t always the answer. With Zirks, you get container pricing at pallet quantities, all getting to you in as little as 5 days. For those of us who have suffered the alternative, this is what our industry has needed for a long time.
Unplanned spend is just that: unplanned. We can help you save big when unplanned purchases are eating up all your profits, putting you at risk for debt. Try us once and you’ll see how easy your unplanned spend can lead to planned cost savings.
Check out our latest webinar to see how it works!
