Increased communication, technology and costs are necessary to tackle supply chain challenges Contributed photo K-J Fasteners Inc. is doing its best to communicate more than ever with customers amid supply chain challenges. Slow shipments. Not enough employees. Soaring costs. Depleted inventories. The supply chain is full of knots and holes right now, spots for companies to stumble. And there are ways to mitigate these challenges, from increased automation to higher wages, but they all come with a cost. To address supply chain and demand challenges, General Die Casters Inc. in Twinsburg has been running overtime and installing automated equipment, said CEO and president Brian Lennon. He has raised wages to attract employees and is starting to work with a temp agency in Puerto Rico to bring in more people.