For supply chains, achieving the Holy Grail of true end-to-end visibility has been out of reach for many. With supply chains stretching into dozens of countries or more, and the sheer number of suppliers surpassing tens of thousands for some firms, gaining full visibility is a daunting task.
Software has helped in this regard, making it easier to connect with and receive data points from far-reaching suppliers, but large-scale visibility remains difficult, and expensive. But, like Robotics-as-a-Service changed the game for warehouse operations, Visibility-as-a-Service may alter the visibility space.
Frank Kenney, director of industry solutions at Cleo, told the Talking Supply Chain podcast that he believes we will eventually reach widespread end-to-end visibility, but for now, companies should be focused on how expanding visibility can lead to better business outcomes.
“Why do we need [visibility]? I need visibility so that I can better plan my day, so that I can take half of the day off because they’re delivering my couch in the morning, or the repair person is coming over in the afternoon so that I can better plan,” Kenney said. “We’re doing a great job where visibility really impacts the entire customer experience. Where we are struggling when it comes to visibility is the further and further we get away from the customer.”
Kenney noted that Visibility-as-a-Service is a growing area that allows supply chains to stay on top of the latest visibility technology and doesn’t require as much upfront cost or foresight to purchase the right-sized system. In the Visibility-as-a-Service model, the company is able to acquire the level of visibility it needs at that time and scale it as it grows.
Kenney also dove into the future of visibility, how companies can leverage visibility to improve revenue opportunities, and whether full visibility is likely in the near future.
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