Made In America: Supply Chain Steps For Success

Editor’s Note: Jayson Waller is founder & CEO of POWERHOME SOLAR, a provider of solar panel installation and energy efficiency services operating across 15 states in the U.S. In 2017, his company switched to using assembled and manufactured solar panels from the U.S. for its residential installations. He can be reached at [email protected].

When companies shift to using American-made manufacturing and supply chains, eyes widen. That is because many believe a U.S.-only supply chain will create a more expensive and limited path in sourcing and production.

But the recent announcement by Walmart that it will be investing $350 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. over the next 10 years is changing minds. And that is great news because morale of employees and appeal to customers goes up when products and solutions are American-made. But like all supply chain practices, success will require being proactive and innovative in decision-making. Below are three important strategies to follow:

1. Find more than one supplier. America has 50 states across all time zones, so do your research and discover who is where and how they can help. Select a primary and secondary supplier in different geographical locations. This can make a big difference in production and deliverables if regional weather conditions create delays and disruption. Having two reliable suppliers will also help if you have more demand than expected, as you will have an alternative partner or additional location to send overflow orders. Depending on the types of supply chain partners you require, there may be a situation in which you should have a 3rd and a 4th reliable provider as well to support your growth.
2. Keep customers and partners updated. Even with high enthusiasm on your American-made initiative, reliability and prompt service will still be expected. Maintain customer and partner communications on production and deliverable status by implementing an automated or manual customer-contact system so everyone in the pipeline is kept apprised of the order and installation status throughout the process. When things are running on schedule, let them know it, and when things are delayed, make them aware of that too. Whether by phone, email or text, providing frequent and timely customer and partner communications will reinforce the appeal of this new direction.
3. Monitor the process. American-made supply chains will usually shorten timeframes on shipments, but speed means nothing without quality. As you do for your overseas supply chain, establish checks and balances on quality controls and deliverable timelines. Make sure your leaders are trained to effectively monitor each step, be able to anticipate what is coming, and be empowered to make in-game adjustments as they happen. Bumps in the road are bound to happen, even when supply chains are U.S.-based, but moving swiftly will be a step toward reducing disruption, or better yet, having no disruption at all.
4. Most importantly, invest in top talent, motivate your managers, and keep your employees enthused by fulfilling this positive mission with purpose across every aspect of your domestic supply chain. Becoming a company that offers American-made products will inspire your employees and your customers.

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