ARTICLE
The value of collaboration is more clear than ever before as we all – including Alliance supplier and utility members work to navigate these unprecedented times. It is encouraging to see our members quickly collaborate and innovate in a way that reinforces focus on purpose and values. Whether it is COVID-19, the climate crisis, or other unknowns, it is clear that together, with groups like the Alliance playing an increasingly critical role, we can rise to any challenge. Our Utility & Supplier Members are Facing Challenges The shift from the initial challenges (sourcing hand sanitizer and PPE, and scaling back operations) to operating under the shadow of COVID-19 Bringing more people on-site: when and who to have back on-site, testing, visitor policies, reconfiguring spaces or production lines for social distancing and/or installing physical barriers Office space considerations: general understanding that the “new normal” will be different; many are finding a positive staff response and increased productivity from working off-site when possible Rapidly changing project priorities, evolving on-site practices, delivery times, production capacity, component supply chains, etc. will make collaboration and ubiquitous communications up and down the value chain even more critical Key Successful Practice and Resources Include: Reliance on credible third-party resources such as the CDC to navigate conflicting sources or guidance As a Supplier Affiliate Member (SAM) shared, establishing minimum standards for all facilities and then if needed adding practices if local regulations exceed them Sharing challenges and successes as everyone is working to respond and navigate this new normal Reinforcing the importance of organizational purpose and values both as an anchor in responding to the crisis and providing a framework for creating the sustainable organizations, value chain relationships and industry we aspire to. We want to hear from you. The Alliance is keen to understand the challenges you are facing as well as the solutions you have uncovered. Please contact us via alliance@euissca.org and we will share them as widely as possible.