Direct answer
Why this matters
A line down for packaging burns money hourly; emergency sourcing needs speed without quality disasters.
The first call should reduce uncertainty
Write down the affected SKU, usable inventory, firm need date, ordinary replenishment timing, current specification, and the exact reason supply is at risk. Confirm what the incumbent can still supply before asking a new source for an emergency commitment.
- Usable quantity and consumption rate.
- Current sample, artwork, specification, and machine details.
- The person who can approve a trial, deviation, or alternate source.
Separate containment from replacement
A partial shipment, schedule change, SKU prioritization, or approved inventory transfer may buy time while a replacement source is evaluated. Those are containment actions, not proof that an alternate package is acceptable.
Boundary: Do not promise a recovery date until material, capacity, approvals, freight, and receiving timing have each been checked.
Use the next worksheet
The Second-Source Readiness Checklist helps carry the known information into a consistent next step. It does not certify technical suitability or guarantee pricing.
Related work
See something that needs correcting? Tell Matt.