Asian Manufacturers Consider Nearshoring, Too

We hear a lot about nearshoring in the United States, the practice of moving production and sourcing closer to the point of consumption (which generally means relocating factories from China to Mexico or Latin America, not necessarily returning to the U.S.). As it turns out, supply chain managers in the Asia-Pacific region are also adopting a "close to home" logistics strategy, particularly when it comes to warehousing activities.

According to a recent study of Asian supply chain managers conducted by business analysis firm Analytiqa, unanticipated transportation disruptions as a result of natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region have highlighted how multinational manufacturers can find themselves without critical components and finished inventory. (The study was conducted before the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, but natural disasters have been frequent in the region, including the 2004 Indonesian tsunami and the 2008 earthquake in western China).

Asian manufacturers know first-hand the implications of damaged transportation infrastructure, and when you factor in the volatility in fuel prices, it becomes obvious why many of these companies have opted to outsource key components of their supply chain management to third-party logistics providers (3PLs). As Analytiqa reports, these manufacturers are looking for 3PLs with proven track records for service and expertise within their operating markets.

Similarly, the strategies of Asia-Pacific supply chain managers are focused on many of the same issues their U.S. counterparts are dealing with, such as forecasting accuracy, intensifying supply chain complexity, managing the strain of increasing costs and aligning the performance of 3PLs to their strategic supply chain goals.