The Battle of Sluys, fought on 24 June 1340, was part of the 100 years’ war between England and France. England won the war and was able to defeat a much larger French fleet. How was it possible? Of course, the English navy fought bravely, but strategically too, they were better off. Fighting the war against 230 ships against 120-150 ships is no mean achievement. But the English team showed how to do it and created an example that is remembered even after 680 years have gone by.
What does the above example connote? No matter on what scale you are fighting a war, strategic planning can help you reach your goal. When we talk about the shipping industry as a whole, you need excellent planning and execution to run a ship or a fleet. Strict rules and regulations are followed, and that’s why the shipping industry avert big disasters in the sea, unlike air and rail networks, especially trains where major accidents are a norm, especially in developed countries.
The role of navy and marines in defending the maritime borders of any country and the shipping industry in terms of international trade is enormous. Just in the USA, the activity at ports was responsible for adding 5.4 trillion US dollars to its economy. The bulk of international trading is done through the sea route, as all other means are really expensive.
Supply Chain in General
Businesses need the supply chain to be able to work properly. Every step is crucial as there are several aspects that are required to be completed one after another. There can be no lapse, and no step can be omitted, or their orders can be changed.
For example, the first step for the production of any product is the procurement of the raw material. Any company not having enough raw material will face hurdles in completing enough products, or no product at all if two or more raw materials are required. One example is the production of cement, where gypsum, sand, and limestone are required.
International trade is also dependent upon the supply chain, and the role of surveyors and professionals dealing with qualitative and quantitative aspects is critical. Surveyors in the supply chain, with a list of questions and possible solutions, try to extract information, specifically data, from a particular group of people.
Supply Chain in the Marine Industry and Role of the Surveyor
Just like the role of a surveyor has been mentioned above, the person has the same role in the shipping and marine industry. It’s anybody’s guess that the role here is complex and has much more significance. The typical supply chain begins with ecological and political regulation so that the efficient use of resources can be achieved.
When we talk about a marine surveyor, his job is to conduct inspections and surveys of various types so those marine vessels can be assessed and reported. Assessing any damage incurred to the vessel during the supply chain process or even docking onto the port is also the job of a marine surveyor. Furthermore, an inspection of equipment for new and existing vessels also need to be checked for quality and durability.
Certificates are issued to the vessel owner, and payments are finalized only after a surveyor is satisfied with everything he has seen and inspected thoroughly.
This is a tough job, to say the least. Just the aspects mentioned above can take several weeks or even months to finish in extreme cases. And when it comes to the supply chain, the role of the surveyor becomes more important. Mind you, it takes years of training, taking courses, apprenticeship, and then actually working for shipping companies to gain experience.
Supply Chain Process and Role of Surveyors
The supply chain is responsible for the trade of finished goods, as this is the process through which companies can do business. A little delay in getting the raw material can have unimaginable consequences in a product’s production, especially when there is high demand. So, what a surveyor has to do when dealing with the supply chain? Management is the first thing that he looks forward to, as this is a critical factor. There are certain other factors too which I would like to describe now.
Inventory Management
Without inventory management, the process of the supply chain can come to a screeching halt. That’s why accuracy here is vital. The role of the surveyor is to make sure everything is in control, and the raw material, for example, is being forwarded to the concerned department without any delay.
Warehouse Management
The surveyor’s role in terms of the warehouse is also vital. Warehouse automation is important so that the surveyor doesn’t have to look around for information, and that can make his job difficult. Any lapse in any function here and the performance of not only the surveyor but also the company will suffer. The production can get a hit for sure if everything is not smooth in the warehouse management.
Best Industry Practices
A surveyor has to deal with supply chain issues year-round, and that’s why he needs to apply the best industry practices to make his performance up to the mark. In turn, this is also beneficial for companies who can get the best practice from the surveyor. Thus, they can be sure of the result they would get to meet the ever-growing demand of their customers and can predict what’s in store for them in the future.
Companies can take the assistance of a top web design company to apply all the latest and best practices in terms of the design of the site and its development. This can increase the chance of attracting clientele manifolds and boost their business prospects for the future.
Final Word
Supply Chain is not something that can be perfected overnight. For companies worldwide, especially the shipping industry, it is vital to streamline the process all the time and leave no stone unturned to make it better. The process is complex, and that’s why too many variables are involved here. It’s the role of surveyors and auditors who made it possible for companies and businesses to get things done perfectly.
If you think that you can add something valuable to this blog or want to ask a question about anything you haven’t understood, you are more than welcome. For the feedback too, please use the comments section below.
