Impact supply chain economics having locally worth a closer look

Supply chain economics.
The impact those three words can have on American life is starting to become a daily reminder that something is amiss in today’s world. No matter what your age or calling, the ability to get things that you want and need when you want and need them is becoming more and more challenging.
Have a do-it-yourself project at home this summer or a major kitchen remodel on the schedule with a contractor? Better plan for some unforeseen delays at some stage of the game, with an end date that’s not locked in stone. We’ve heard reports of six- to nine-month waits for some items, such as kitchen appliances, and can only imagine what a hassle it must be for large scale contractors or manufacturing companies like Aurora’s own BonnaVilla Homes to keep projects or products moving down the line.
Looking to upgrade your vehicle? That too can be a frustrating process thanks to a shortage of computer chips which has car dealers scrambling to find new vehicles to fill their lots. The used car market has been impacted as well, we’re told, forcing many to stick with their current ride longer than planned.
Even little babies are not immune as their stressed-out parents have had to deal with a nationwide formula shortage in recent weeks. It’s an unthinkable phenomenon in a consumer-driven world where we are absolutely engrained in our thinking that we can get whatever we need whenever we need it overnight.
I shared in this space two weeks ago that the News-Register is facing a supply chain battle of its own thanks to a shortage of newsprint, or what is more accurately described as an access issue. I’m pleased to report that we’ve had some encouraging developments on that front, though I’ll breathe a lot deeper when I see the large rolls being unloaded on our dock.
Having heard about all types of similar headaches here in Hamilton County, the News-Register staff has decided to take a deeper dive into this issue, hoping to shed some light on the impact supply chain bottlenecks are having on businesses large and small. 
Beginning next week, we’ll focus on one business sector’s experiences, reactions and modified plans to deal with the dilemma, then continue on with a multi-part series. Our hope is to cover a broad range of sources from both the consumers’ side and local business/industry perspective. If you or your business would like to be included in this series, please let us know.
Kurt Johnson