Making Synchromodality Practical for SMB Supply Chains

Insights from NexaFlux about making synchromodality practical for SMB supply chains

At its core, synchromodality is about flexibility - the ability to switch between transport modes in real time

When you hear “synchromodality,” you probably think of mega-ports in Rotterdam or million-dollar AI control towers. For SMBs, it can sound out of reach. But the truth is this: SMBs don’t need deep pockets to benefit from synchromodality.

At its core, synchromodality is about flexibility - the ability to switch between transport modes (road, rail, ocean, air) in real time, depending on cost, service, and disruptions.

And SMBs can make it work with discipline, smart partnerships, and a few simple rules.

Why SMBs Should Care
· Margins are razor-thin - one disruption can wipe out profits.
· Customers expect reliability - size doesn’t lower expectations.
· Sustainability pressures are rising - even small firms are being asked about their carbon footprint.

According to the Business Continuity Institute, more than 70% of SMBs reported supply chain disruptions in the past year.

And a DHL report found that logistics costs account for up to 20% of sales revenue for many SMBs - meaning inefficiencies directly hit competitiveness.

Synchromodality offers a way to build resilience without over-investing: more flexibility, fewer empty miles, and smarter use of what’s already available.

The SMB Playbook for Synchromodality

Step 1: Map & Prioritize
· Identify your top 10 lanes and 10 SKUs.
· Classify SKUs: A SKUs (critical): always have backups. B SKUs (flexible): go with the cheapest mode. C SKUs (non-critical): can tolerate delays.
· Track it all in a simple Excel sheet - no expensive system required.

Step 2: Plug Into Flexible Capacity
· Partner with 3PLs/freight forwarders that already provide multi-modal options.
· Pre-negotiate fallback terms (e.g., urgent switches capped at +15%).
· Keep two alternate routings (Plan B & C) for every critical lane.

Step 3: Set Simple Triggers
· Define clear signals.
· Use low-cost sources: forwarder portals, GPS updates, government dashboards.
· Assign a decision owner - someone who can act fast when a trigger goes red.

A Quick Checklist
· Have I prioritized critical SKUs and lanes?
· Do I have two backups for every critical lane?
· Have I pre-negotiated fallback costs?
· Do I know which signals trigger a switch?
· Who has the authority to approve it?

The SMB Advantage
Big companies talk about AI and blockchain, but they’re weighed down by bureaucracy. SMBs have an edge: speed.
· You can tap into your 3PL’s buying power to access rates you couldn’t get alone.
· You can run a simple rolling average of lane costs in Excel to know instantly if a quote is fair.
· You can run simple what-if scenarios in Excel and define triggers right away.
· You can ask your forwarder for a spot-vs-contract check - a simple ask that often uncovers savings.

Resilience doesn’t require a million-dollar budget - it requires clarity, partnerships, and timely action.

Closing Thoughts
Research shows synchromodality thrives on real-time data, trust, and collaboration. For SMBs, that doesn’t mean building a digital control tower.

It means:
· Know your critical lanes.
· Secure fallback options.
· Act fast when triggers go red.

Even small steps toward synchromodality can translate into fewer surprises, lower costs, and better customer confidence.

Don’t try to solve everything at once. Start small: pick one critical lane or SKU and map it. Once that’s clear, layer in a backup route, then define a simple trigger. Even taking one step at a time makes your supply chain more predictable and less vulnerable to disruption.