Leaders
The Importance of Item-Level Visibility in Modern Supply Chains
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and global interconnectedness, item-level visibility has emerged as a pivotal component in the management of modern supply chains. Its significance is amplified by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), multi-tier supply chain visibility, and the increased demand for transparency from consumers and investors alike.
The Rise of Item-Level Visibility
The concept of item-level visibility revolves around the ability to monitor every individual product's location, condition, and status in real time. This granular level of tracking is becoming the new standard in supply chain management, driven by the necessity to make smarter and faster decisions in a landscape fraught with potential disruptions.
Seagull Scientific's platform exemplifies this trend, delivering item-level traceability from production to post-sale authentication. Companies like FedEx and Chipotle employ this technology to track subassemblies and food products, ensuring compliance and enhancing operational efficiency. Luxury brands are also leveraging item-level tracking for post-sale authentication, supporting returns, and combating counterfeits.
Technological Integration and AI's Role
Artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as a crucial tool in navigating supply chain challenges. Seagull's investment in AI, through its decision-support tool Maven, helps supply chain teams surface risks and make quicker decisions. Agentic AI is expected to further enhance decision-making within the industry, highlighting the growing intersection of technology and supply chain management.
Additionally, technologies such as RFID, barcode, mobility, and voice are being used to enhance visibility in warehouses, further underscoring the role of technology in modern supply chains. The COVID-19 crisis reinforced the need for product-level visibility across multiple tiers, with around 40% of disruptions originating from lower-tier providers.
Challenges and Opportunities in Supply Chain Visibility
While the rise in item-level visibility presents numerous opportunities, it also brings challenges. Increasing government regulations, investor requirements, and consumer pressures are driving the need for enhanced visibility at a multi-tier level. Regulations are being enforced with higher financial penalties to improve working practices and eliminate modern slavery, while 90% of investors now incorporate climate-related disclosures in their financial decision-making.
For supply chain leaders, the ability to pilot or adopt solutions for enhanced visibility is becoming increasingly important. Over 30% of leaders are already in the process of doing so, recognizing that total supply chain visibility will become a critical competitive advantage.
Educational and Professional Development
As the industry evolves, there is a pronounced focus on executive education in the supply chain and logistics field. Resources for certification and professional development are available, providing industry professionals with the tools needed to adapt to new challenges.
Various platforms, including podcasts, webinars, and white papers, are offered, contributing to the ongoing education of supply chain professionals. For instance, the BuilderNation podcast has unveiled a procurement insights series for tech visionaries, while McLeod Software continues to enhance broker and carrier relationships through TMS updates.
The emphasis on education and development highlights the critical role of companies, visionaries, and institutions in shaping the future of supply chain management, covering areas such as sourcing, procurement, inventory management, risk management, and more.
As item-level visibility becomes increasingly crucial, the modern supply chain landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological integration, consumer demand for transparency, and the need for comprehensive education and professional development.