Understanding the impact of data on supply chain visibility

A supply chain manager tracks her company's assets using location technology.

Having a full picture of your company's supply chain can strengthen productivity, reduce costs and support green initiatives — here's how data-driven insights can help your business gain a competitive edge.

Data is vital for supply chain visibility. It plays a major role in providing organizations with the information they need to make better decisions. The more comprehensive the data, the deeper the levels of supply chain visibility companies can create that provide them with efficient ways to manage their operations.

The way in which a company approaches that data and supply chain visibility can provide insights into the entire supply chain process. It can track products from manufacture to delivery, monitor stock levels, analyze supplier performance and more.

A warehouse worker lifts a box onto a shelf in a fulfilment center.

This provides a clear view of inventory movements across businesses and helps owners not only understand the state of current supply chain processes it makes the entire supply chain visible and open for analysis.

Data-driven supply chain visibility also enables companies to identify potential risks in their operations; if certain suppliers are delivering late or there is a sudden spike in demand, data can quickly uncover any issues to ensure timely and seamless delivery.

Companies can also track their customer orders and measure product performance over time — the data-driven visibility of the supply chain enables adjustments to be made where needed.

A delivery driver traveling on an eCargo bike through Berlin.

By implementing a data-centric approach to supply chain visibility, companies can take control of their operations and gain an understanding of the changing market conditions. With this knowledge in hand, they can make more informed decisions that will benefit both them and their customers.

In addition, using data to unveil supply chain visibility helps companies better understand the impact of external factors on their supply chain. By having access to accurate data sets, companies can proactively anticipate disruptions and take steps to ensure a continuous flow of operations.

A container ship travels through the Panama Canal.

Using data for supply chain visibility can revolutionize the way businesses operate today. With better visibility and insights, organizations can make more informed decisions that will drive success for them and their customers. It's the future of the modern supply chain, and companies must be willing to invest in it to ensure they remain competitive.