Business

Navigating global trade and supply chain challenges

Published

1 year ago

2025/04/1

An extreme weather event; a flooded Sri Lankan paddy field.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a major challenge to the smooth flow of the supply chain, “The stockouts”, their causes and most importantly, effective strategies to prevent them.

I strongly feel this topic is quite appropriate at a time where most of the companies struggle to eliminate bottlenecks in their supply chains.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, maintaining optimal inventory levels is crucial for success. As businesses strive to meet ever-changing consumer demands, the challenge of preventing stockouts becomes increasingly complex and a robust supply chain planning process with long, medium and short term strategies are key to the success of the supply chain.

Stockouts occur when a business runs out of inventory for a particular product, leaving them unable to fulfill customer requirements.

Let us understand common causes of stockouts. Inaccurate demand forecasting is a major cause as our markets depend on a demand-driven forecast. Poor inventory management is seen in many organizations with inefficient tracking systems or human errors in inventory counts, misleading stock levels, lead time. and sales/ stock miscalculations. Such supply chain disruptions interrupt the flow of goods.

In an increasingly unpredictable world, supply chain (S.C.) disruptions are no longer an exception but the rule. Factors such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, pandemics, labour and raw material shortages, infrastructure challenges, logistical issues, seasonal fluctuations and long lead times due to unexpected conditions and holidays in supplier country have made supply chain professionals a more complex situation. Hence, the supply chain professionals at the customer end should be very knowledgeable in respect of the above conditions when forecasting and final planning as per correct demand.

Stockouts can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate loss of sale and revenue. Other such consequences are decreased customer satisfaction, potentially damaging long-term loyalty, reduced brand reputation as frequent stockouts erode trust in your brand and increased operational costs rushing to restock items as a preventive measure.

(Agile supply chains at a higher cost of material and shipping) and market-share loss.

By recognizing these consequences, businesses should focus on implementing robust stockout prevention strategies and investing in effective inventory management solutions.

Let us now discuss as to how we should avoid stockouts and what the key strategies are?

Maintaining accurate inventory records is fundamental to preventing stockouts. Effective inventory management strategies and tools should provide real-time visibility into stock levels. For this, advanced inventory management software systems must be utilized for automated reordering and calculating re-order points.

However, inventory professionals should obtain information (data) with specific, timely, and a very accurate manner. This is why the organizations fail today in computing the correct re-order levels/points.

What to order, when to order, and how much to order depend on the accuracy of such data. If it fails, the entire supply chain will face lots of disruptions.

Further, regular cycle counts, ABC analysis based on consumption values and, VED/SDE/HML stock analysis are vital tools to avoid stockouts and excess stocks.

VED- Vital, Essential, Desired

SDE- Scarce, Difficult to obtain, Easy to obtain as per lead times.

HML -High, Medium, Lowpriced items

I would recommend staff training, utilizing barcode systems, and streamline receiving and issuing processes too to uplift the inventory management system.

Therefore, I wish to reiterate, that accurate Inventory data forms the foundation for effective demand forecasting & inventory optimization strategies.

Determining appropriate stock levels is one of the most challenging tasks faced by inventory managers. To mitigate the risk of stock outs due to uncertainties in supply or demand, Safety stock (or buffer stock) is maintained by stock controllers, which intends to cover any shortfall in cycle stock (moving stock) during the lead time period. It is an important element of the re-order point formula.

Reorder Point (ROP) = (Average consumption × Lead time) + Safety Stock

However, the stock should be balanced between overstock and stock-out situations. There are many methods of calculating the safety stock, such as fixed safety stock, time-based safety stock, and average/max calculations.

(Max. sales × Max. lead time) – (Average sales × Average lead time) = Projected Safety Stock

There are statistical calculations as well.

The performance of the supply chain should be monitored and reviewed. Supply chain manager should “keep an eye’ on the progress on an ongoing basis and gather formal and informal control information. KPI, balance score card, bench-marking( best in class strategy) ,TQM (continuous improvement) are some of the tools to assess the performance of the organization.

Digital transformation revolutionizing inventory management practices within supply chain is offering unprecedented opportunities and challenges for business worldwide. The digital technologies significantly enhance inventory visibility, improved accuracy, advanced demand forecasting and streamlined supply chain collaboration. Despite these benefits, challenges such as system integration complexities, high implementation costs data quality management, cyber security risks and regulatory compliance issues are prevalent.

In today’s world of pandemics, geopolitical shocks and extreme weather events,

efficiency alone is a fragile strategy, The goal is no longer, just resilience, it is ANTIFRAGILITY which means getting stronger from shocks rather than just surviving them.

(The writer is an experienced lecturer and consultant on Supply Chain Management)

E mail- suveentrading@yahoo.com

By Denver Brian Coorey

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Business

Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

Business

Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

Business

Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”