As the omicron variant sends U.S. Covid case numbers soaring to new records and drugstores and walk-in clinics clamor for test kits, suppliers have been struggling with their own mounting problems.

The Port of New York and New Jersey is working to clear a small but rare bottleneck of container ships anchored off the coast of Long Island as COVID-19 cases among dockworkers collide with a pandemic-fueled surge in cargo volumes.

The highly contagious omicron virus variant is disrupting already stressed food supply chains, sickening so many workers that more shortages at grocery stores are all but certain.

From seafarers refusing to get back on ships to truck drivers whose concern over Covid-related border closures trumps the lure of higher pay, the transport industry is bracing for another roller coaster year of supply chain disruptions.

Here’s a look back at our most-clicked stories this year — which showcase the worst of the crisis, new ideas that it spurred, and a glimpse at how we got here.

Supply chain digitization is the shortest path to improved efficiency, resiliency, speed and, ultimately, cost.

When COVID-19 erupted 21 months ago and upended retailers around the world, it looked like just another chapter in the sad story of an industry’s decline. The reality of the pandemic era, however, hasn’t played out that way.

Target, which has boosted sales about 17% over the past 12 months through October, has kept attracting shoppers at a brisk pace this holiday season.

Mince pies. Latkes. Eggnog. Tamales. As extended families the world over plan holiday celebrations again, they’re encountering a harsh reality: Traditional foods, especially those sold for a limited time in even a normal year, are significantly costlier in 2021 — if they’re even available at all.

Amazon is backing off plans to ban cell phones in warehouses, allowing employees to keep their devices with them at work.