Supply Chain and Courier Updates
Per our last updates, suppliers are mostly operating and processing orders.
They are still practicing physical distancing and operations are a bit slower than usual. Sales reps aren’t traveling and so are quite responsive to quote requests on the whole.
Many are still prioritizing PPE for COVID-19 response. Smaller suppliers like CP Lab Safety (they’ve shipped some of their masks day of order) or other smaller suppliers are likelier to have availability (especially masks; in general “short” lead times are around two weeks).
Keep in mind that some suppliers are considering all sales final and not accepting returns due to COVID-19.
Couriers are operating, but last mile deliveries can still be problematic. Thank delivery drivers, have clear signs that a lab is open to delivery, and let suppliers know that the lab is open and if there are any issues with a shipment, contact them to help resolve it.
The Happi Note – Getting Back to Work
HappiLabs and many of our partner labs continued to work as essential businesses during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, with many working from home.
Many labs did temporarily close and may be wondering about how to resume operations as the COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions ease.
Having a plan to safely get back to work and how COVID-19 will continue to impact operations is important. For instance, one lab has masks, hand-sanitizer, gloves, and sticky floor mats at key entryways ready for scientists returning to the lab.
Several suppliers are hosting webinars aimed at this:
- Agilent is hosting a series of webinars on starting specific pieces of equipment back up and getting back to work in the lab
- Biocom is hosting a Webinar on the COVID-19 impacts on the supply chain to get scientists coming back to work oriented to the new normal
HappiLabs remains at work and this month will be safely and fully re-opening our offices as shelter-in-place orders are eased.
We are grateful for the worlds scientists and healthcare workers that are working to mitigate COVID-19 and helping us all get back to work in new innovative ways.