In today’s global supply chains, complete end-to-end visibility is often thought of as the “Holy Grail”. But is it?
There are many definitions of supply chain visibility. Tracking a container from origin to destination is one. But what value does that really provide? Do you know what is in the container? To whom its contents are allocated? What import regulations apply? Which purchase order does it correlate with?
True global supply chain visibility is so much more. It begins from product concept and extends to receipt of payment. It requires comprehensive technology that embraces company-wide transparency.
To put it simply, it is the disruption of the information silos that are historically inherent in supply chain management. To be clear, it is not solely tracking a container.
It is the correlation of all the data describing what is in the container – the design, sourcing, manufacturer, classification, order, shipment, regulation, cost, and so much more – and presenting that information in a consolidated platform.
This kind of information enables true global supply chain visibility. But it does not end there.