A “now, next, later” approach will guide supply chain shifts related to pandemic challenges

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S. spread in March, leading to shelter-in-place orders in most states and a rapid slowdown of the national economy, businesses started adopting Baker Tilly’s “now, next, later” framework to address supply chain challenges. “Now” is focused on the first 30 days; “next” is focused on the following 60 days; and “later” focuses on 90 days and beyond.

In an article for Area Development, Kate Crowley noted that in the coming months, successful companies will be the ones that manage their cash flows well, support and protect their employees as they shift to new working environments, demonstrate their continued value to customers, and stabilize their supply chains.