Consumer product companies are navigating an increasingly complex global supply chain. Tariffs, rising energy costs, waterway disruptions, potential dock strikes, changing labor economics and infrastructure constraints are forcing manufacturers to continually reassess where and how they source and produce.In this episode of Supply Chain Chats, Lisa Anderson talks with Erica Dill, COO of Tombot and an operations executive with extensive experience in consumer products and e-commerce, about the realities of managing consumer product supply chains in today’s environment.

What we cover/script:

🔹 Consumer product complexity: Being a consumer products manufacturer requires far more than producing the product. Companies must manage an interconnected web of suppliers, components, logistics, costs, regulations and customer expectations.

🔹 China + 1: China remains an important manufacturing and sourcing hub, but relying too heavily on a single country creates risk. Erica discusses why companies are looking at Vietnam, Mexico and other countries to diversify their sourcing and manufacturing footprint.

🔹 Manufacturing in China: Erica shares practical insights from her experience manufacturing in China, how the environment has changed and why companies need to continually reassess the advantages, costs and risks.

🔹 Tariffs and sourcing decisions: Tariffs have changed the economics of global sourcing and are prompting companies to look more closely at where components originate, where products are assembled and how “Made in” requirements factor into decisions.

🔹 Rising costs and advanced technology: Labor costs are increasing around the world, including China. Automation and advanced technologies are becoming increasingly important as manufacturers look for ways to improve productivity and remain competitive.

🔹 Infrastructure and logistics: From waterways and ports to transportation infrastructure, manufacturers must understand the vulnerabilities that can interrupt the flow of materials and finished products.

🔹 Planning for disruption: Supply chain challenges aren't one-time events. Successful consumer product companies must continually look ahead, evaluate alternatives and build options before they are needed.The global sourcing equation continues to change. The answer isn't simply leaving China or moving production to the lowest-cost country. It is understanding your products, suppliers, markets, risks and alternatives and developing a supply chain that can adapt as conditions change.

🎥 Watch the full conversation.

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LMA Consulting Group works with manufacturers and distributors on strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation to maximize the customer experience and enable profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth.

Lisa Anderson is the founder and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc., specializing in manufacturing strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation. Lisa works with companies to bridge the gap between supply chain strategy and execution to dramatically improve service levels, accelerate cash flow and maximize profits. She partners to improve supply chain and operational efficiencies through the implementation of process improvement programs such as Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (S&OP/SIOP) and in selecting, leveraging and implementing ERP Systems.

Lisa is a contributor of topics including a superior customer experience with SIOP, advancing innovation, and making the supply chain resilient, Ms. Anderson is regularly interviewed and quoted by publications such as Industry Week, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal.

For information, sign up for her Profit Through People® Newsletter or for a copy of her book, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LMA-ConsultingGroup.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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