How can I respond to the following peer post while also asking a question?

Professor and class,

I found an article on the web that discusses the U.S. and China trade war and the crippling effects of COVID-19 on the supply and demand system. We all know that consumers still want prices to remain consistent and businesses will not be able to charge more because of the increased efforts it requires to get those products. This is the basis of today's supply chain manager in today's economy. The article identifies ways that a supply chain manager must adapt and follow in order to remain competitive and maintain the supply channels for their company. This article states that the road to recovery for many organizations that rely on overseas manufacturing companies will consist of finding ways to increase domestic production, grow employment in the United States, find alternatives to resources that are harder to find, and rethink strategies of lean inventories and just-in-time operations, which can hinder performance operations when shortages of material happen.

First, a supply chain manager will need to uncover and address any hidden supply risks that were previously ignored. This will be hard to do for many supply chain managers as companies continue to increase the demand for technological advancement. The article uses vehicle manufacturers as an example. Many vehicle manufacturers do not possess the inventory, engineers, or skillset to manufacture the navigational screens used in modern vehicles. They demand outside sources to manufacture and provide that item. This can be a hidden supply risk that was previously ignored.

Next, a supply chain manager must identify shortcomings with the full supply chain. This includes distribution facilities and transportation hubs. Supply chain managers must plan accordingly if one of these channels in the supply chain is impacted. What is the course of action if this portion of the supply chain were to have a catastrophic failure? Would the supply chain manager hold out until they are able to restart their duties or find an alternative? Should we diversify our manufacturers, or do we stock up on this special inventory? Supply chain managers may want to utilize the "China plus one" strategy where they utilize China to manufacture goods but also establish manufacturing locations in Mexico. This comes with its own variety of problems. Issues that may arise are creating those supply channels is a hard task, ports are not capable of handling the high demands. These are the questions and decisions the supply chain manager of today's global markets needs to plan.

Moreover, supply chain managers must analyze the amount of inventory they need to have in case of a supply shortage or an increase in demand. We have learned about just-in-time operations and lean inventories as ways companies can save money, but supply chain managers of today's global markets must look at the impacts of any disruption to the supply channels.

As in any field, technological advancements steer companies in directions that save money and increase revenues. One way that supply chain managers can make a difference is by taking advantage of these technological advancements to save money. Whether that be reviewing processes to manufacture products, changing suppliers to reduce the time and efforts required, or bringing previously outsourced products to be produced in house.

Lastly, supply chain managers in today's global market must review the pros and cons of product variety. In the global pandemic priorities of American consumers changed. Instead of selling products to restaurants and cafeterias companies focused on the rise in direct consumer demand. Knowing your products' audience and consumers is something that should be carefully considered.