Efficient materials planning and sound commercial agreements with suppliers promote the timely receipt of foreign inputs in the ceramic tile industry.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges in the control of spare parts inventories from abroad in the ceramic tile industry, due to restrictions on the movement of goods and the temporary closure of factories, as well as changes in consumption patterns and labor shortages, situations that pushed organizations to manage materials differently. In this investigation, the benefits of having optimal levels of spare parts inventory were analyzed, through the efficient planning of materials and solid contracts with suppliers, to mitigate the risk of shortages, this through the descriptive method consulting various literary sources. In the process, it was found that efficient planning of materials encourages the timely supply of inputs, as well as that solid contracts with suppliers establish consistent bases for beneficial collaborative relationships that ensure a flow of supplies. From this process, it is concluded that efficient planning of materials and adequate trade agreements with suppliers could promote the timely receipt of foreign spare parts, so these practices are effective in maintaining a healthy supply chain.