4 Ways to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

Supply chains for the hospitality industry experience some unique challenges.

Seasonal demand fluctuations require businesses to manage staffing levels efficiently, while the handling of perishable goods necessitates meticulous inventory control. Supplier reliability is thus crucial, and maintaining strong relationships with your suppliers is an obvious risk mitigation strategy.

Cost management is anyway an ongoing concern due to fluctuating expenses, and the overall high inflation across the world.

The hospitality industry's growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility adds another layer of complexity, requiring eco-friendly practices.

In navigating these challenges, supply chain managers for the hospitality industry must find a balance between efficiency, cost control, compliance, sustainability and meeting customer expectations.

4 Supply Chain Challenges and Solutions Faced by the Hospitality Sector

Seasonal and Demand Variability:

The hospitality industry frequently experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand. For instance, ski resorts might be bustling in the winter but near empty in the summer. Managing staff levels can be challenging too. During peak seasons, there's a need to hire and train temporary workers, and during off-peak times, they might be underutilized or let go.

Perishable Goods:

Restaurants and hotels need to handle perishable goods such as fresh produce, dairy, and seafood, which have limited shelf lives. Managing inventory to avoid food spoilage or waste is crucial. Proper storage, rotation, and usage of first-in first-out (FIFO) methods are essential. Effective communication with suppliers to ensure the freshness of incoming goods is vital to maintain quality and minimize waste.

Supplier Reliability:

Relying on a tiny number of suppliers for various goods and services, such as linens, toiletries, or food products, can be a vulnerability. If a supplier fails to deliver, it can disrupt daily operations. Maintaining relationships with multiple suppliers or having backup suppliers can help mitigate this risk. Developing service level agreements (SLAs) and monitoring supplier performance can increase reliability.

Cost Management:

Managing costs effectively while maintaining quality and competitive pricing is an ongoing challenge. For example, hotels reported a 79% cost increase on day-to-day cleaning and housekeeping supplies, a 77% increase for linens and other soft goods, and a 77% increase in food and beverage supplies, according to a November 2021 survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. These fluctuations in commodity prices, energy costs and labor expenses can impact the bottom line.

Also Read: GEP Case Studies: Improving Bottom Line of Top Hospitality & Travel Company

4 Supply Chain Management Best Practices for the Hospitality Sector

Taking an AI-First Approach:

AI-powered data analytics can provide valuable insights into the performance of supply chains for the hospitality industry, leading to cost savings and operational efficiency.

Automated procurement systems, integrated with AI, streamline the purchasing process -- from requisition to payment, ensuring that it's more efficient and that suppliers receive timely payments.

Also, AI-driven inventory management allows for real-time tracking and intelligent forecasting, effectively reducing waste and operational costs through practices like just-in-time (JIT) inventory management.

Demand Forecasting Capabilities:

Effective demand forecasting and flexible scheduling are key to addressing these challenges for hospitality supply chain managers. Businesses often need to implement dynamic pricing strategies to balance demand and supply.

Since demand forecasting is critical for hospitality supply chain, it’s important to utilize predictive analytics that goes beyond historical data and incorporate seasonal patterns, economic trends, and local events. These advanced models improve accuracy in predicting demand fluctuations and help with resource allocation.

Given the hospitality industry's pronounced seasonality, precise seasonal adjustments are imperative. To account for peak seasons, holidays, and local events, input from staff across different locations and historical data analysis are essential. These adjustments ensure operations align with demand, enabling businesses to have the right resources at the right times while avoiding overcommitment during off-peak periods.

Also Read: How Procurement Strategy Can Benefit Hospitality Industry

Staying on Top of Inventory:

Efficient inventory management is another cornerstone of successful supply chain management in the hospitality industry. To optimize inventory, it's essential to have a comprehensive understanding of each product's characteristics, including its shelf life, demand variability, and usage patterns. Implementing an ABC analysis, which categorizes items based on their importance and value, helps prioritize which items require more attention and scrutiny. This approach ensures that high-value or high-demand items are readily available and that resources are allocated appropriately.

Furthermore, adopting a Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management strategy is especially advantageous for the hospitality sector. JIT minimizes carrying costs by ensuring inventory is ordered and delivered precisely when needed to meet demand. This results in significant cost savings and a reduction in waste. By maintaining minimum stock levels and having efficient ordering processes in place, businesses can respond to demand fluctuations promptly and effectively, making the supply chain more cost-efficient and agile.

Partnering With Experts:

Partnering with supply chain consultants offers a range of benefits for optimizing supply chain management in the hospitality industry. These experts bring strategic insights to help streamline operations, resulting in cost reductions and boosted efficiency. They assist in risk management, help integrate cutting technologies like AI, and ensure compliance with sustainability and regulatory standards. By leveraging their expertise, businesses in the hospitality sector can enhance supply chain performance, maintain strong supplier relations and navigate market dynamics effectively, ultimately driving profitability and customer satisfaction.

To Sum Up

In summary, supply chain management in the hospitality industry faces challenges like seasonal fluctuations, perishable goods, supplier reliability, and cost control. To address these, best practices include demand forecasting, efficient inventory management, and embracing an AI-first approach. Partnering with supply chain consultants can provide strategic insights and enhance efficiency. Adapting to market changes and staying ahead of industry trends is vital for maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction in this dynamic and competitive sector.

Here’s how GEP can help control costs and improve supply chain efficiency in the hospitality industry.