In the described supply chain example, what timing action was taken in relation to Hurricane Harvey?

In the described supply chain example, what timing action was taken in relation to Hurricane Harvey?

• A. Pre-shipped parts 2-3 days early
• B. Delayed shipments until after the event
• C. Increased supplier diversity
• D. Reduced inventory levels

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is proactive timing to counter disruption risk. By pre-shipping parts 2–3 days early, the company creates a time cushion so critical components are already en route before Hurricane Harvey could affect transportation or supplier operations. This helps ensure production can continue or resume quickly if ports, roads, or logistics networks face disruption, reducing the chance of stockouts or shutdowns. Delaying shipments would magnify exposure to the hurricane’s impact, not mitigate it. Increasing supplier diversity addresses resilience of the supplier base rather than the timing of shipments. Reducing inventory levels would raise the risk of shortages during a disruption.

The main idea here is proactive timing to counter disruption risk. By pre-shipping parts 2–3 days early, the company creates a time cushion so critical components are already en route before Hurricane Harvey could affect transportation or supplier operations. This helps ensure production can continue or resume quickly if ports, roads, or logistics networks face disruption, reducing the chance of stockouts or shutdowns.

Delaying shipments would magnify exposure to the hurricane’s impact, not mitigate it. Increasing supplier diversity addresses resilience of the supplier base rather than the timing of shipments. Reducing inventory levels would raise the risk of shortages during a disruption.