These strategies are employed to mitigate vendor delays. 1. Technology solutions are utilized: Supply chain management software is used for tracking. 2. Market trends are monitored: Industry trends and economic conditions are regularly assessed. 3. Relationships are established: Multiple suppliers are cultivated to enhance communication. 4. Inventory is managed: Optimal levels are maintained, with safety stock included. 5. Risk assessments are conducted: Vulnerabilities in the supply chain are periodically evaluated. 6. Flexibility is developed: Agile practices are adopted for quick adaptation. 7. Training is provided: Employees are educated on supply chain management.

Constant communication with your vendors is a must, especially after orders have been placed. But, don't simply rely on calls and emails. Go and visit them every now and then. Another preventive measure is to have some form of shipment delay penalty built into the contract. Customers with shipment penalty clauses in their contracts have better chance of getting production priority.

I think to avoid any sort of delay, we will have to share projections with suppliers so they can at least precure fabric which is more important part in execution, if supplier can be able to in house fabric in timely manners so no doubt they can achieve the target easily.

Looks like opaque information flow, integrating the suppliers manufacturing realtime data and exchange of bottlenecks can resolve it in most cases.

Delays can be of two types: unforeseen and acknowledged. 1. Unforeseen Delays: For late shipments, I plan partial air freight or expedite customs clearance for sea shipments to support production lines. 2. Acknowledged Delays: I replan with suppliers, arranging critical quantities by air and the rest by sea. Partial shipments ensure steady material flow and reduce pressure. This ensures continuity while balancing urgency and cost.