Could Operational Excellence Have Solved the Toilet Paper Shortage?

In March, sales of toilet paper skyrocketed amid COVID-19 lockdowns. At one point, it was the top-selling product at grocery stores. Because of the high demand, stock quickly became limited.

At the heart of the problem were supply chain challenges stemming from the major consumer goods manufacturers who produce toilet paper like Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark. As operations have become leaner over the past few decades, manufacturers have not only reduced time and costs but excessive inventory as well. That means when there’s a run on a product, shortages happen.

Increasing Production