Supply chain control tower
What is a control tower in supply chain?
A supply chain control tower is a centralized hub or platform that provides end-to-end visibility and orchestration of supply chain operations in real-time. It acts as a command center where supply chain professionals can monitor, analyze, and manage the flow of goods, information, and finances across the entire supply chain network. By integrating data from various sources such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and transportation providers, the control tower enables proactive decision-making and timely response to disruptions or changes in demand.
How to build a supply chain control tower
To build a supply chain control tower, organizations can follow these steps:
Define objectives: Identify key objectives and performance metrics that the control tower will monitor and optimize.
Select technology: Choose a supply chain digital control tower platform or software solution that aligns with the organization's needs and requirements.
Integrate data sources: Integrate data from internal and external systems, including ERP, freight tracking, WMS, TMS, and IoT devices, to create a unified, digital twin of the supply chain.
Implement analytics: Leverage advanced analytics and visualization tools to analyze supply chain data, identify patterns, and gain actionable insights for decision-making.
Collaborate across functions: Foster collaboration and communication among cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and coordination in supply chain activities.
Continuous improvement: Implement a process of continuous improvement, leveraging insights from the control tower to optimize supply chain processes and enhance performance.