US port strike has CIOs prepping for supply chain implications

In an era of major technology shifts and business disruptions, CIOs are better prepared to help their companies navigate possible delays due to the port strike but settling the impasse is of great concern, observers claim, as a protracted strike could have widespread impact on organizations across a range of industries.

“Depending on how long the strike lasts, it may cause a shock to supply chains,” said Alan Jones, CISO at technology advisory firm MGT, “and could have a cascading effect, similar to what happened during COVID. CIOs could have to grapple with how their ability to procure goods and meet deadlines may be derailed” by the strike, which Jones noted could affect “almost 70% of all US container exports.”

As for the near-term impact, major consumer retailers such as Walmart and Home Depot, for example, have become increasingly agile and proactive after major supply disruptions such as COVID and the Baltimore Bridge collapse, and enjoyed advanced knowledge of this potential strike, which will likely help stabilize the supply chain for a period of time, Tariq said.