Evolving a supply chain and its component pieces may mean ensuring that data is compatible across platforms. With older systems, it may be difficult to guarantee that different file types will be accessible without costly downloads and setups. As companies expand to other countries and regions of operation, the risks may increase, putting more pressure on legacy systems to be portable and adaptable.
Because they can be complex, international supply chains offer possible headaches for companies no matter where they pass through. The following are three possible challenges to secure, efficient operations, based on the problems associated with managing large amounts of products:
- Continuity and backup: Should one section of the supply chain be disrupted, the company should be able to recover and make adjustments as necessary. Flexible data use and access may give companies a strong platform for introducing new access points as needed.
- Differing transportation costs: Businesses may find themselves shifting their main forms of transporting goods over time-from air supply to boats, for example. John Manners-Bell of Transport Intelligence cites this as a lower cost alternative in an article for Logistics Management.
- Environmental disasters: According to Claims Journal, various types of storms can cause difficulties that upset the supply chain, even if it's just based in the United States. Depending on where the chain runs through, it could be vulnerable to wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes or other regionally focused catastrophes.
A mainframe terminal emulator designed for easy use in different locations grants a full-function interface that remains configurable as new challenges appear. Inventu's Flynet Viewer is a low-cost way to enable client emulation for various browsers.