The Growing Importance of Supply Chain Visibility

“Transparency” is a word that carries more weight than it once did. Today, a company must account for everything, especially in its supply chain. Supply chain visibility becomes increasingly important the more companies outsource because segments of the process are handled by other companies—often in another country.

Customers want to know about status or delivery updates as soon as changes in shipments occur. Therefore, the more transparent your supply chain is, the more your company can meet the wants, needs and expectations of customers.

End-to-end supply chain visibility provides a competitive advantage because it allows you to serve your customers better.

Some benefits to expect include:

1. Greater inventory control
2. Better customer experience and satisfaction
3. Shorter cycle times
4. Improved worker efficiency and productivity
5. Saved time via automating the tracking process across all transportation parties
6. Reduced costs associated with delays and chargebacks
7. More precise data to make smarter business decisions

Increasing end-to-end visibility within your supply chain is an ever-changing process because new technologies and opportunities are introduced every day to improve operations and results. This is not, however, an area of business where you can simply integrate solutions and consider it done.

As supply chains expand and lengthen with the increase in the number of global resource providers, distribution channels and markets, more will be required to ensure that visibility remains intact over time. Solutions—including omni-channel software platforms, complex system integrations and other advancements—will be ongoing requirements to maximize supply chain visibility, which ultimately plays a role in driving cost savings, revenue and profitability.