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The supply chain industry has been on a transformative journey, driven by the need for greater efficiency, resilience, and adaptability. At the heart of this transformation is the quest for true end-to-end (E2E) visibility—a comprehensive view that extends across complex global networks of suppliers, partners, and customers.
While progress has been made, achieving E2E visibility remains a challenging goal, and it’s crucial for industry leaders to recognize the work still required. Without true end-to-end visibility, the broader ambitions of digital transformation in the supply chain can’t be fully realized.
Why End-to-End Visibility Matters
E2E visibility is about having a clear, real-time view of every aspect of the supply chain, from raw materials and inventory to transportation and final delivery. This visibility allows companies to proactively manage disruptions, optimize inventory levels, and improve customer satisfaction by providing accurate, up-to-date information on order status and delivery times.
A recent survey of global supply chain leaders highlights that visibility is one of the three critical pillars for building resilient supply chains. However, many organizations still struggle to achieve this level of transparency, particularly when it comes to upstream suppliers. It’s not just about knowing where a shipment is in transit; it’s about having a complete digital picture that encompasses every stage of the supply chain.
Understanding True E2E Supply Chain Visibility
In simple terms, E2E supply chain visibility means having the ability to see “everything, everywhere.” This includes real-time transportation visibility—knowing the exact location and status of shipments whether they are on a truck, railcar, ocean liner, or cargo plane. But it also extends far beyond this..
True E2E visibility also means understanding the status of inventory in warehouses, monitoring production schedules, and even gaining insights into suppliers' operations. However, many companies today only have partial visibility, often limited to their immediate suppliers. For example, McKinsey’s research indicates that nearly half of companies surveyed had no visibility beyond their first-tier suppliers, underscoring the gap between current capabilities and the ideal of E2E visibility.
The Path Forward: Bridging Data Gaps and Building Connectivity
To achieve true end-to-end visibility, the supply chain industry must overcome several key challenges:
Bridging Data Gaps: There are still significant data gaps in many parts of the world. For example, while real-time data on ocean shipments is broadly available due to standardization, over-the-road transportation data can be fragmented and inconsistent. Bridging these gaps requires deploying the right technologies, from electronic logging devices (ELDs) in North America to smart tags and mobile tracking in regions with less infrastructure.
Adapting Systems for Global Complexity: Supply chains are inherently complex, and systems must be flexible enough to cater to local and global needs. This includes localizing user interfaces, adjusting algorithms to regional data sets, and ensuring platforms can be configured to meet the unique requirements of diverse users.
Navigating Data Privacy and Security: As data crosses borders, companies must navigate varying data privacy laws, encryption standards, and regulatory requirements. Ensuring data security and compliance across all regions is critical for maintaining trust and operational integrity.
Building Collaborative Partnerships: No single company can tackle the complexities of global supply chains alone. Deep, collaborative partnerships are essential to address the unique challenges posed by different markets, regulations, and business practices.
Shippeo’s Role in Delivering Real-Time Visibility
At Shippeo, we are dedicated to helping companies achieve true end-to-end visibility by providing real-time transportation insights that span global supply chains. Our platform offers the ability to track shipments in real-time, providing actionable data that enables better decision-making and enhances overall supply chain performance.
With features like shareable tracking links that require no installation, Shippeo makes it easy for all stakeholders to stay informed, fostering transparency and collaboration across the supply chain. By bridging the visibility gaps and connecting every link in the chain, we empower businesses to operate with greater agility, efficiency, and resilience.
As the industry continues to evolve, end-to-end visibility will remain a critical component of supply chain success. By working together, embracing innovative technologies, and fostering strong partnerships, we can make the vision of seeing “everything, everywhere” a reality.
