Not all SKUs deserve equal attention during disruption. When vendors miss deadlines or raw materials run short, continuity depends on your ability to prioritize the right product lines, not just the most expensive ones.
Why Prioritization Beats Panic
Glass and ceramic supply chains span hundreds of SKUs and dozens of suppliers
Customer penalties, safety specs, and production impacts vary by product
Spreading resources thin can dilute recovery across the board
Key Criteria to Prioritize Product Lines
1. Revenue Impact
Which product lines drive the top 40% of sales? Start there.
2. Customer Dependency
Are certain clients relying on this SKU for a large-scale build or process-critical use?
3. Substitutability
Some items have alternatives; others (e.g., engineered coatings, high-temp bricks) do not.
4. Supplier Flexibility
Can the item be produced in alternate regions or by multiple vendors?
5. Margin + Penalty Risk
High-margin SKUs or those with contractual penalty clauses deserve higher continuity protections.
How to Apply This in Practice
Assign a continuity score (1–5) to each product line
Build “A/B/C” recovery tiers and align mitigation plans
Allocate safety stock, sourcing resources, and buffer locations based on tier
Final Word: Continuity planning isn’t about saving everything—it’s about saving what matters most, first.
