b'COVER STORYJoe CardiniVicki Lander John OConnellPresident Executive Vice President Senior Vice PresidentBristol Global MobilityClient Services Global Supply ChainWeichert Workforce Mobility SIRVA Worldwide Relocation& Movinghave clear and up-to-date information"As circumstances continue to evolve, we\'re related to the issues and trends associ-ated with the virus.receiving more frequent inquiries about our Clear and frequent communication has been central to our efforts. Our suppliers are providing daily updates relatedability to handle a post-crisis surge in volume"to the current state in their respective locations. These updates are published internally, and our account manage- John O\'Connell, SIRVA Worldwide Relocation & Movingment teams also share this information with clients. To share best practices, our global advisory team has conducted several surveys related to our clientsStill, communication and connectivityOConnell: Early in the crisis we responses to the virus. The results ofwith all critical constituents (e.g.,received a number of inquiries from clients these surveys are published and sharedcorporate clients, assignees and suppliers/ regarding business continuity among with SIRVAs clients. In addition, wevepartners) have proven to be the best solu- our supply chain. However, we havent instituted a series of webinars designedtion to these challenges. encountered issues or challenges with our to provide further information. Lander: The biggest challenge is thatsuppliers ability to provide service since we vet potential providers specifically on were working with people, not widgets.their business continuity plans.Were caring for thousands of individuals What have been the biggestwith their own unique situations, and thatWe also have primary and alternate challenges for your company inrequires us to take time to fully appre- suppliers in place for each service, as well managing your active relocationsciate the circumstances of that individualas a number of pre-qualified potential during the pandemic?and their family in order to put togethersuppliers available should the need ever Cardini: Ive been extremelya solution.arise. In the context of COVID-19, any impressed and gratified by how Bristol,Also, there is no real precedence fordisruption in service thats occurred has on a global basis, has pivoted andmanaging this crisis. The problemsprimarily been the result of government adjusted to the various challengesthat need to be solved are very unique.restrictions or health and safety guide-presented to us all by COVID-19. ThatWeve had to get creative with movinglines rather than any issues among the said, changes outside our ability topeople quickly, which has meant thingssupply chain.control continue to keep us on our toes.like organizing shipments and closingAs circumstances continue to evolve, These include the very fluid conditionsout apartments without the assigneewere receiving more frequent inquiries surrounding the topic of immigration,being there, arranging virtual tours forabout our ability to handle a post-crisis our ability to transport householdhousehold goods, and getting people pastsurge in volume. We are very confident goods being immensely constricted, andthe borders quickly. Overall, its been athat we are well prepared to effectively assignments being terminated, which isfascinating situation. This pandemic putservice the business that our clients will creating the need to depart a countryus in a position where no two hours areinitiate, and eagerly await the opportunity while flights are limited.ever alike.to take on that challenge.14PERSPECTIVES Summer 2020'