---
title: 6 Hotel Furniture Supply Chain Breakdowns That Can Lead To Disaster
description: As a designer, the last thing you need is a hotel furniture supply chain breakdown. Here are 6 costly mistakes to avoid.
---

[Custom Furniture Manufacturing Blog ](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog)

# [6 Hotel Furniture Supply Chain Breakdowns That Can Lead To Disaster](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog/6-hotel-furniture-supply-chain-breakdowns-that-can-lead-to-disaster)

 Written by [Artone LLC](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog/author/artone-llc) | Apr 28, 2017 2:13:20 PM

There’s a lot to consider as you work toward that perfect hotel design. Whether it’s a new construction or a renovation, you’re balancing deadlines and budgets, contractors and subcontractors, and vendors.

The last thing you need as a designer is a *supply chain breakdown*. Work stalls without the materials -- from furniture to fixtures -- to take your plan from [concept to reality](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog/how-a-manufacturer-can-simplify-hotel-furniture-installation-from-start-to-finish).

***You lose time and money.*** Part of your job is to eliminate the risk of a delivery disaster, or [at least contain it](http://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/reducing-the-risk-of-supply-chain-disruptions/).

Here are some realities and decisions -- on your part and [theirs](https://abcsupplychain.com/inventory-management-mistakes/) -- that can weaken or break your supply chain.

## 3 SUPPLY CHAIN BREAKDOWNS YOU CAN CONTROL

### 1. SUDDEN ORDER CUTBACKS

Everyone in the supply chain will feel it. Your distributor was expecting to ship a certain number of products only to **suffer order whiplash**.

It could be difficult to regain momentum for when you do need the full shipment because the distributor and/or manufacturer may struggle with **excess units** idling in the warehouse and/or complete **work stoppages**.

### 2. SEVERE COST CUTTING

Anyone could understand trying to save a buck, but, simply put, your **product costs money** to make, distribute, and stock.

It’s the era of [lean manufacturing](http://www.leanproduction.com/). Eliminating a link or two in the chain makes financial sense. But **cutting the fat** could have a direct impact on the **quantity, quality, and even availability** of the products you need.

A manufacturer that can seamlessly handle each link in the supply chain is a lifesaver.

### 3. OVERLY LENGTHY LEAD TIMES

Time has the power to change your needs.

You may order “X” number of units for 30 days from now, but decide in 20 days you **actually needed** “Y.” Or you may order component “A” only to **realize later** you needed component “B” to make it work.

What if you’re [ordering from overseas](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog/domestic-hotel-furniture)? The* middle of the Atlantic *is an awkward place to figure out you need less, more, or none of a shipment.

## 3 SUPPLY CHAIN BREAKDOWNS DISTRIBUTORS CAN CONTROL

### 1. RUNNING OUT OF UNITS

Whether through poor planning or an honest lack of resources, distributors can simply **run out** of the things you need. Manufacturers can simply **not make them**.

If that’s the case, your order could be **altered or canceled** outright. The strongest manufacturers and vendors have procedures in place to avoid this. Some even keep orders and plans on file to reproduce later at a moment’s notice.

### 2. INACCURATE FORECASTING

Manufacturers and vendors need a solid idea **how much they need** to make or supply. While orders come in, many still try to make educated guesses.

**What if** they’re wrong? Your supply chain again could fall victim to lacking numbers. The **best prepared** will have a buffer stock to accommodate the unexpected.

### 3. FAILING TO PROPERLY DOCUMENT SHIPMENTS

Successful **inventory management** depends on strict accountability. Shipments can be delayed or, in a worst-case scenario, lost in the shuffle.

You could also be **overcharged or undercharged** based on inaccurate estimates.

## MANAGE SUPPLY CHAIN RISK

**A break **or disruption in the supply chain -- whatever the reason -- could **spell disaster** for your hotel design project.

[Avert the crises](http://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/reducing-the-risk-of-supply-chain-disruptions/) of going over budget or missing deadlines by concentrating resources, having backup plans, and perhaps moving your supply chain [closer to home](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog/domestic-hotel-furniture).

 

[View full post](https://blog.artonemfg.com/blog/6-hotel-furniture-supply-chain-breakdowns-that-can-lead-to-disaster)

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