As states prepare to reopen across the country, the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) has called on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to prioritize supply chain performance and resiliency by developing a National Supply Chain Index and Performance Dashboard.
“Perhaps no time in history has highlighted the degree to which supply chains shape the health and well-being of our nation,” wrote Tom Madrecki, VP of supply chain and logistics for CBA, in a letter to Ross. “The acute evaluation and benchmarking of supply chains would mark an important step toward friction point visibility and pinpointing, prioritizing and addressing supply chain challenges.”
The National Supply Chain Index and Performance Dashboard would house the necessary data to provide an early warning system about potential supply chain issues and disruptions using both public and private sector data sources. The increased transparency and visibility of a supply chain index also could help drive strategic policymaking, inform private sector investment, forecast inflation and aid in emergency response efforts.
“The coronavirus crisis has demonstrated the strength and resiliency of our supply chains, but we must learn from this experience and put practical resources in place so that policymakers and consumers can be assured that the flow of essential products will continue no matter what crisis comes next,” said Madrecki.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the CBA has worked closely with federal and state governments to protect supply chains and ensure consumers’ access to essential products. CBA played an active role in launching the bipartisan Congressional Supply Chain Caucus and the cross-industry Critical Infrastructure Supply Chain Council and continues to lead the call for a White House Office of Supply Chain.
The association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.
