3.2.2. Supply Chain and FB Manufacturing

The initial analysis is conducted on the supply chain as a key theme; the literature section of this paper provides details on supply chain disruptions.

With the onset of COVID-19, international trends are that supply chains are challenged. An analysis is conducted/size of respondents. With reference to Figure 4, it is very apparent that most companies (in excess of 80%) source locally, with smaller companies more dependent on local supply than larger. On the outbound side, domestic is favored by smaller companies with larger companies conducting significant international trade. The African Region is the smallest focus both on inbound and outbound. *Sustainability* **2020**, *12*, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 23

**Figure 4.** Analysis of impact on inbound and outbound network*.*  **Figure 4.** Analysis of impact on inbound and outbound network.

The results indicate that the combined medium to high impact in all sizes of business ranged from 36% to 50%. This indicates the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain and logistics to be a challenge in the SA context. 3.2.3. Business Impact: Question 5 The research team added a question on if companies, due to COVID-19, sought to join SA sourcing and distribution networks and 50% of the current responders indicate that they currently source outside of SA and are looking at transitioning to SA sourcing. *Data on supply chain is further reinforced by Section B*/*Business Impact. Question 1: What is the level of impact:*


impacts on supply chain and sourcing and distribution. Further data probing on supply chain is conducted by the questions. *Regions and countries globally are preparing to improve supply chain via locally co-ordination. Does the*  The results indicate that the combined medium to high impact in all sizes of business ranged from 36% to 50%. This indicates the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain and logistics to be a challenge in the SA context.

### *company plan to institute or participate in a centrally coordinated (This may be on a provincial/ National level)? Yes/no*  3.2.3. Business Impact: Question 5

Difficulty accessing materials, goods and services within South Africa

Difficulty accessing materials, goods and services internationally

Difficulty exporting goods and services

*Research shows that COVID-19 has put a renewed urgency behind automation and the use of robotics to mitigate against the disruptive impact of supply chain. Is digitalization a consideration in local digital networks? Yes/no*  **Table 6.** Analysis of impact on supply chain network.  **Large Medium Micro Small**  The data (Table 6) indicates clear challenges in lower domestic sales to customers and businesses, with medium to high impact on all business sizes. Accessing materials and goods internationally is also a challenge to business. It is also apparent that small businesses experience the most significant impacts on supply chain and sourcing and distribution. Further data probing on supply chain is conducted by the questions.

21% 32% 7% 15% 22% 5% 0% 22% 11% 37% 26% 11%

11% 21% 21% 7% 15% 15% 11% 11% 11% 44% 19% 7%

14% 18% 25% 10% 12% 17% 11% 11% 11% 33% 15% 22%


**Table 6.** Analysis of impact on supply chain network.

*Regions and countries globally are preparing to improve supply chain via locally co-ordination. Does the company plan to institute or participate in a centrally coordinated (This may be on a provincial*/ *National level)? Yes*/*no*

*Research shows that COVID-19 has put a renewed urgency behind automation and the use of robotics to mitigate against the disruptive impact of supply chain. Is digitalization a consideration in local digital networks? Yes*/*no*

The data, Table 6, indicates that 58% of large companies are considering a centrally coordinated supply chain network, either at a local or national level. Only 27% of medium size and 26% of small companies are considering a centrally coordinated supply chain network. A similar trend is observed in the evaluation of adoption of digital supply chain networks, with medium and small companies demonstrating lower consideration of adoption, whilst large companies (63%) are strongly in support of digital supply networks.
