Trouble Looming

As we get busier and the demand outgrows supply I feel that there is trouble looming ahead. So many products critical to advancement of projects are becoming less and less available with some consistency. 

At the moment there are significant shortages that will adversely affect most building projects. One week it will be this, then the next something else. In fact it can be almost on a  daily basis that something becomes unavailable. 

It is difficult to predict the changing situation but forward planning can help, but only a little at the moment. If suppliers cannot get material that won't help.

There are no easy answers in this situation, which I have never seen in my 30 odd years in the industry, however I will give you a couple of ideas that may help.

The ability to store material, should you have warehouse or storage facilities, will definitely help. That way you can almost drip feed yourself stock by grabbing material when it is available, maybe even partial orders to keep you ahead of the pack.

Secondly, to develop a great relationship with your suppliers because the good ones will advise you of impending drama that may be ahead. If you haven't already developed those relationships you may already be in trouble.