End-to-end visibility requires collaboration
Given so much uncertainty and unpredictability companies must manage their supply chains in such a way that they can be more pro-active or at the very least react in an informed way . Endto-end visibility is key , but that can only be achieved with collaboration . The best companies today in the supply chain ecosystem are collaborating more and that should include the technology vendors providing the software to run these supply chains . It is absolutely crucial they work together to share data and collaborate more effectively , because ultimately the more visibility built into a supply chain the more it will have a positive impact on cashflow .
For example , in the October Ocean report carriers posted reductions in shipment delays of more than 40 percent year-on-year in September . Asia-Europe experienced a 19 percent reduction in shipment delays in September when compared to the previous month . On the surface this appears a positive development reflecting improvements in the processing of goods in ports , but equally it indicates a softening in demand simply because less goods are being processed .
The good news is that if companies get their approach right , there are opportunities to be had . The companies that were brave during the 2008 Financial Crisis came out ahead .
Make supply chain insights digestible
If a company can achieve end-to-end supply chain visibility through collaboration with its partners , it means they have invaluable data that can have a direct impact on business decision making and performance .
For example , everyone in the industry needs to have a wary eye on what dwell times might mean for Christmas sales . In the most recent Ocean report the number of vessels waiting to berth on the Eastern seaboard of the United States and Gulf Ports has jumped notably since July , particularly in the ports of Savannah and Houston , which experienced a 208 percent increase yearon-year in the number of vessels waiting to call at the ports in September . Savannah had the highest average with 37 vessels waiting to berth in September . New York and Houston had 25 and 24 vessels waiting to berth , respectively . Any delays to accessing stock could have a real consequence for those retailers on 5th Avenue hoping for bumper Christmas sales . With newer vessels carrying up to 24,000 TEUs , a single vessel delay could impact millions of consumers .
A complete and single view of supply chain data means businesses can be forewarned . In the Global Insights report terminal dwell times increased in European ports largely due to labor shortages and congestion . Limited trucking and rail availability also continue to impede the movement of goods at the ports , where most storage space is occupied to its full capacity .
Deciphering supply chain data and the lingo is not straightforward so it must be a priority to make data consumable for everyone in the organization . To get to that
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