Transitional challenges of information flows in humanitarian supply chains

Transitions across the Disaster Management Cycle are challenging. The product flows between immediate relief phase and rehabilitation and recovery phases often dip due to poor transitions of communication and information systems between partnering donors. The information flows are the crucial link that could ensure that the robustness of the supply chain into a disaster area is maintained. The lack of systems connectivity is a major element preventing product flow robustness. The purpose of this paper is to highlight these challenges and to provide a framework that could be implemented to prevent such pinch points. Resilience of humanitarian supply chains during transition periods depends on information flows to enable smooth changes to occur.<p></p>