[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”2_5,3_5″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/smartfactory.lt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Navigating-Supply-Chain-Disruption-Short-Case-Study-a.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Navigating Supply Chain Disruption Short Case Study a” title_text=”Navigating Supply Chain Disruption Short Case Study a” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
During COVID, we faced an interesting challenge. Due to restrictions in China, one of our former clients experienced a supply chain breakdown because he had ordered parts from two different factories, and one of them was temporarily shut down.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n How we solved the problem:<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" During COVID, we faced an interesting challenge. Due to restrictions in China, one of our former clients experienced a supply chain breakdown because he had ordered parts from two different factories, and one of them was temporarily shut down.His project was stuck. The molds had been delivered, and all the details were finalized. But reality […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7666,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/span>His project was stuck. The molds had been delivered, and all the details were finalized. But reality hit: no one was available to manufacture the necessary components.<\/span>
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<\/span>By April, the client presented this case to us: The client\u2019s company couldn\u2019t assemble the final products because one crucial part was missing. To manufacture this final part, he needed two components (as previously mentioned, it wasn\u2019t possible to produce them because one factory was closed).<\/span>
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<\/span>Switching to a new factory presented multiple challenges\u2014time, travel restrictions, negotiations, material compatibility, and technology requirements. Even if he found a new factory, shipping delays remained an unpredictable factor.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 Together with the client, we decided to transport one of the parts to Lithuania.<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 He began preparing his own assembly space on-site.<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 We started printing both parts locally (body using MJF, gasket using SLA).<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 We established a consistent workflow, including on-demand manufacturing (we chose this approach because of the uncertainty surrounding when the situation would normalize).<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 During the preparation phase, we assembled everything ourselves and transported the completed products to the client\u2019s site.<\/span>
<\/span>After approximately one month, the gaskets arrived at his factory. At that point, we switched to printing only the bodies while the client\u2019s assembly line became fully operational. A few months later, he successfully negotiated with new suppliers in China and resumed conventional manufacturing.<\/span>
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<\/span>What I learned from this case:<\/strong>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 Always have multiple manufacturing options, including conventional methods.<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 Creative problem-solving can bridge significant gaps.<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 Agility and on-demand manufacturing are business savers.<\/span>
<\/span>\ud83d\udd39 The ability to adapt rapidly to supply chain disruptions is essential for business resilience.<\/span>
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<\/span>Why did I remember this case?<\/strong>
<\/span>The same client called us recently, starting with small talk, asking about how we were doing. Then, he asked about our current workload and whether we would be ready to repeat everything if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n