CSCOs consider the journey to visibility

September 2024

Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) are increasingly focused on achieving visibility across their supply chains. Visibility is essential for risk management, forecasting, regulatory compliance, and more. However, achieving visibility is challenging due to several factors, including access to supplier data, data quality, and regulations. CSCOs should consider the following factors for achieving visibility:

• Supplier data and governance: CSCOs need to ensure that they have access to accurate and reliable data from their suppliers. Data governance practices can help ensure data quality and consistency.
• Mandating data sharing: Regulations can play a role in mandating data sharing among supply chain partners. However, CSCOs need to consider the potential challenges and benefits of such regulations.
• Industry collaboration: Industry collaboration can be an effective way to encourage suppliers to share data and adopt best practices.
• Hardening the supply chain: CSCOs need to take steps to harden their supply chains against disruptions. This includes implementing business continuity plans, collaborating with IT and cybersecurity teams, and using tools like the Department of Commerce's SCALE tool.
• Cross-functional teams: CSCOs can work closely with other teams within their organizations, such as IT and cybersecurity, to achieve visibility. Cross-functional teams help identify vulnerabilities, which sets updeveloping strategies to address them.