Which of the following is a commonly used mitigation for supply chain disruptions that affect medical readiness?

• A. Multiple suppliers
• B. A single supplier
• C. Reducing stockpiles
• D. Delaying orders

Answer: (A)

Having multiple suppliers builds redundancy in the supply chain, which is crucial for sustaining medical readiness. When you rely on several sources, you’re not left in a bind if one supplier experiences a disruption—such as manufacturing downtime, transportation problems, natural disasters, or regulatory delays. The ability to pivot to alternative suppliers keeps essential medical items available, supporting continuous readiness for both operations and patient care.

Relying on a single supplier creates a single point of failure; a disruption there can halt deliveries and jeopardize readiness. Reducing stockpiles eliminates buffers that absorb delays, increasing the risk of shortages during disruptions. Delaying orders reduces the time available to bridge gaps, making shortages more likely and harming preparedness.