High Data Quality Essential for Supply Chain Resilience

High data quality is key to reducing supply chain disruption, and predictive analytics plays a significant role in strengthening supply chain resilience. In the face of increasing global challenges, the importance of data integrity and real-time insights has never been more crucial for supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.

The Role of Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics has emerged as a pivotal tool for identifying potential disruptions in the supply chain. The effectiveness of these analytics is highly dependent on the quality of data being analyzed. Poor data input can lead to low-quality decision-making, undermining the potential benefits of artificial intelligence and analytics tools. Common data issues include missing product dimensions and inconsistent labelling inputs, which can result in incorrect ordering, production mismatches, and logistical bottlenecks.

According to a Gartner survey conducted in 2021, 76% of supply chain executives reported facing more disruptions compared to three years ago. Among the factors contributing to these disruptions, the UK supply chain has been significantly challenged by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions. For instance, the construction industry experienced stock level fluctuations of up to 5% each quarter due to pandemic-induced material shortages, affecting sectors like semiconductors and motors as well.

Data Quality and Supply Chain Management

Quality management in supply chain and logistics is essential for maintaining efficiency. Real-time data connectivity is increasingly important for supply chain resilience, allowing organizations to respond promptly to emerging issues. However, most organizations lack comprehensive n-tier visibility in their supply chains, resulting in incomplete data regarding disruptions.

Supply chain managers often lack the data analysis skills necessary to leverage big data fully. Understanding data from IoT devices and having a comprehensive view of the entire supply chain, including suppliers and customers, is integral for effective risk management. These capabilities are essential for navigating the complexities of modern supply chains, which face rising tariffs, global disruptions, and increasingly complex tax laws.

Technological Innovations and Challenges

Technological advancements are playing a critical role in enhancing supply chain resilience. For example, Morrisons used software to achieve a 99% accuracy rate in stock-picking for grocery deliveries. However, the lack of integration in supply chain technology remains a significant hurdle, with many organizations calling for a unified system to consolidate data effectively.

In response to these challenges, the White House has created the Council on Supply Chain Resilience, co-chaired by National Security and Economic Advisors. Announced by President Biden on December 4, 2023, the council aims to implement over 30 interventions in supply chain processes, focusing on procurement, delivery, logistics, and planning. A key emphasis of the council is on improving data quality in supply chains to ensure resilience and cost-effectiveness, amidst rising tariffs and persistent global disruptions.

Global and Geopolitical Impacts

Geopolitical tensions continue to threaten shipping lanes, complicating the navigation of tax laws and introducing new tariffs targeting regions such as Mexico and Canada. As a result, supply chains have ascended to a top three position on board agendas, as noted by Iain Prince, a partner and UK supply chain lead at KPMG. This heightened focus reflects the increasing recognition of supply chain resilience as a critical component of organizational strategy.

Despite these challenges, key insights have emerged for IT professionals around enterprise AI integration and private cloud infrastructure, as highlighted at Dell Tech World 2025. Enterprises and nonprofits are already deploying advanced AI applications, and Dell Technologies aims to enable automation and choice on its data center hardware with third-party support for Dell NativeEdge. Meanwhile, companies like Alation are acquiring technologies to enhance AI capabilities, including embedding agents in workflows.

Overall, the need for high data quality and integrated technological solutions is paramount for building resilient supply chains capable of withstanding the complexities of the modern global economy.