However, challenges such as data access and integration remain, particularly within distribution centers. Businesses must ensure their control towers can access and utilize data effectively, requiring clear strategies from automation vendors. When selecting a control tower solution, companies should consider three phases: operate, connect, and collaborate. These phases ensure real-time visibility, network-wide efficiency, and comprehensive oversight of the supply chain ecosystem. By aligning control tower capabilities with business needs, companies can enhance resilience and optimize operations.
Key takeaways:
- The supply chain control tower acts as a central nervous system, providing real-time visibility and data harmonization for better decision-making.
- Control towers face challenges such as data access, particularly in internal logistics operations, and require a solid vision for data acquisition.
- Key phases in a control tower process include operating with real-time visibility, connecting distribution centers, and collaborating across the supply chain ecosystem.
- Future control towers will leverage AI and digital twins to optimize operations and enhance supply chain resilience.