Supply chain visibility—knowing where inventory is, when it will arrive, and what's happening across the supply chain—has become strategic priority. Disruptions, customer expectations, and complexity have made visibility essential. Technology enables this visibility, but implementation requires integrated thinking across data, systems, and organizations.
This guide provides a framework for supply chain visibility technology.
Understanding Supply Chain Visibility
Visibility Levels
What can be visible:
Inventory visibility: Where stock is across locations.
In-transit visibility: Shipment location and status.
Order visibility: Order status across fulfillment.
Demand visibility: Customer and market demand signals.
Supplier visibility: Uptream supply chain status.
Business Value
Why visibility matters:
Customer experience: Accurate delivery promises.
Inventory optimization: Right stock in right place.
Risk management: Early warning of disruptions.
Operational efficiency: Better planning and response.
Cost reduction: Less expediting and safety stock.
Visibility Technology Landscape
Platform Types
Categories of visibility technology:
Control towers: Integrated visibility and management.
Track and trace: Shipment tracking.
Inventory management: Stock visibility across locations.
Network platforms: Multi-party visibility networks.
IoT platforms: Sensor and device-based tracking.
Key Capabilities
What visibility platforms do:
Data aggregation: Combining data from multiple sources.
Real-time tracking: Current location and status.
Predictive analytics: Estimated arrivals, risk prediction.
Exception management: Alerts and notifications.
Analytics and reporting: Performance insights.
Data and Integration
Data Sources
What feeds visibility:
Transportation systems: TMS, carrier data.
Warehouse systems: WMS, inventory data.
ERP systems: Order and planning data.
IoT devices: Sensors, GPS, RFID.
External data: Weather, traffic, carrier networks.
Integration Challenges
Making data work:
Data quality: Accuracy and completeness.
Standardization: Common formats and identifiers.
Latency: Real-time vs. delayed data.
Partner integration: Getting data from third parties.
System complexity: Multiple legacy systems.
Implementation Approach
Visibility Strategy
Defining what to achieve:
Scope definition: Which lanes, modes, products.
Value prioritization: Highest-value visibility.
Capability roadmap: Phased implementation.
Operating model: How visibility will be used.
Technology Selection
Choosing platforms:
Requirements definition: What you need.
Vendor evaluation: Assessing options.
Integration assessment: Connecting to existing systems.
Scalability: Handling growth.
Implementation Process
Deploying visibility:
Data integration: Connecting sources.
Configuration: Setting up rules and alerts.
User enablement: Training and adoption.
Continuous improvement: Evolving capability.
Organizational Considerations
Operating Model
How visibility is used:
Control tower operations: Centralized monitoring.
Exception management: Response processes.
Cross-functional integration: Connecting functions.
Customer communication: External visibility.
Change Management
Driving adoption:
Process changes: New ways of working.
Skill development: Building capability.
Performance management: Using visibility data.
Partner engagement: Working with suppliers and carriers.
Emerging Capabilities
Advanced Analytics
Next-generation visibility:
Predictive ETA: AI-powered arrival prediction.
Risk prediction: Anticipating disruptions.
Prescriptive analytics: Recommended actions.
Anomaly detection: Identifying problems.
Extended Visibility
Expanding scope:
Multi-tier visibility: Beyond tier-1 suppliers.
Sustainability tracking: Environmental data.
Quality visibility: Product condition tracking.
Demand sensing: Real-time demand signals.
Key Takeaways
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Start with business value: Define visibility that matters.
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Data integration is hard: Plan for integration complexity.
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Partners must participate: Visibility requires network participation.
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Use visibility operationally: Information without action is waste.
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Build incrementally: Expand scope over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should we start with visibility? High-value, high-risk lanes and products. Where disruption impact is greatest.
What about carriers and suppliers who won't share data? Some won't. Focus on willing partners; set expectations for new relationships.
How do we handle data quality issues? Accept imperfection while improving. Document limitations.
What's the ROI on visibility? Inventory reduction, service improvement, cost savings. Quantify for business case.
Should we build or buy? Buy for core platform. Build connectors and applications as needed.
What about blockchain for supply chain? Selective applications. Not universally applicable; evaluate specific use cases.