Overcoming Common Roadblocks When Starting Your Supply Chain Journey

Starting a supply chain from scratch can feel like building an airplane while flying it. Whether you’re launching a new business, scaling production, or simply trying to organize suppliers and logistics, roadblocks will appear—and that’s perfectly normal.

Here are the most common supply chain challenges and how you can overcome them without losing momentum.

1. Lack of Supply Chain Visibility

If you can't see what's happening across your suppliers, inventory, and deliveries, you're reacting—not planning. Visibility is essential for preventing disruptions.

Solution:

• Use simple inventory or SCM tools to gain real-time insights.

• Standardize communication with vendors and carriers.

• Build relationships to supplement data with real-world feedback.

2. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting

Guessing demand leads to stockouts or excess inventory—both costly errors, especially early on.

Solution:

• Start with short-term rolling forecasts and adjust weekly.

• Launch pilot batches to test demand assumptions.

• Align closely with sales and marketing for upcoming trends.

3. Sourcing Unreliable Suppliers

Finding suppliers is easy. Finding reliable ones who deliver consistently? That’s harder.

Solution:

• Request supplier references and verify production capabilities.

• Diversify sourcing where possible to reduce risk.

• Define clear SLAs (Service-Level Agreements) in contracts.

4. Inefficient Logistics Planning

Many businesses underestimate how complex shipping and warehousing can become—until it's too late.

Solution:

• Map your shipping lanes and define backup routes.

• Choose the right 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) based on your size and location.

• Track delivery KPIs and proactively communicate with customers.

5. Internal Skill Gaps

Early-stage teams may lack in-house supply chain experience, leading to reactive decision-making.

Solution:

• Bring in fractional supply chain consultants or hire experienced talent.

• Invest in basic supply chain training for your current team.s.

• Create cross-functional teams to make smarter, faster decisions.

6. Overengineering Too Early

Trying to build a complex supply chain too early can lead to wasted costs and rigid systems.

Solution:

• Start lean with spreadsheets, Trello boards, or Notion databases.

• Only upgrade systems when volume justifies the investment.

• Stay focused on flexibility and responsiveness.