Much like a roadmap guides travelers along their journey, supply chain visibility illuminates the path of goods as they move from origin to destination. Without this clarity, businesses risk delays, inefficiencies and dissatisfied customers. But by shedding light on the supply chain, companies can uncover hidden opportunities, reduce waste and improve decision-making. 

Supply chain visibility refers to the ability to track and monitor the flow of goods and information throughout a network; or, on a more local level, the ability to view important data within a facility no matter where in the facility that information is located. Both involve visibility into inventory levels, transportation routes, delivery times and more.  

There are several benefits to real-time visibility into supply chain operations: making timelier, data-driven decisions; finding potential bottlenecks; optimizing inventory levels; and allocating resources more effectively. Plus, visibility helps mitigate disruptions, delays and quality issues. And by monitoring supply chain activities, businesses are better able to identify and address problems before they escalate.  Moreover, visibility can streamline processes, reduce lead times and improve overall supply chain performance. By tracking the movement of goods, organizations can pinpoint inefficiencies and implement measures to improve operations. 

Importantly, improved visibility also supports enhanced customer service. By tracking orders and shipments, businesses provide accurate delivery estimates and resolve customer inquiries promptly. This boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, stronger supplier relationships can be fostered through enhanced visibility. By sharing information and collaborating closely, businesses can improve supply chain performance and reduce costs.    

Visibility strategies you can use today 

To enhance visibility in your network, consider implementing the following strategies: 

• Maximize technology: Use GPS tracking, RFID and barcode scanning to monitor the movement of goods. Tap the power of the internet of things to collect data on goods throughout the various points in your supply chain, such as information about temperature, humidity and location. Implement blockchain technology to create a transparent and immutable record of transactions, ensuring the authenticity and traceability of products. Analyze large amounts of data to identify trends, patterns and potential issues. 

• Collaborate with partners: Foster strong relationships to improve communication and collaboration and use shared platforms to track shipments and share data with partners. These efforts can significantly advance supply chain processes and reduce costs for all involved. 

• Invest in data analytics: Use your data to find bottlenecks, improve forecasting and refine inventory levels. Employ predictive analytics to anticipate trends and potential disruptions. Also monitor key performance indicators to identify and address issues promptly. 

• Standardize data processes: Ensure data is collected and stored in a consistent format across your supply chain. And maintain high data quality to ensure accurate and reliable information. 

• Educate and train employees: Invest in training programs to educate your people about the importance of supply chain visibility. Empower employees to use technology and data to improve decision-making. Finally, encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation to find new and exciting ways to maximize the many advantages of supply chain visibility.  

The value of supply chain visibility extends far beyond simply knowing the location of goods at a given moment. Rather, visibility is the cornerstone of a resilient, efficient and customer-centric supply chain. By embracing the strategies outlined here—leveraging technology, prioritizing collaboration, investing in data analytics, standardizing processes and empowering employees—businesses can transform their supply chains from opaque networks into transparent, data-driven engines of growth and success.  

Supply chain visibility and traceability is ranked as the number-six trend in ASCM’s 2025 Top 10 Trends report. Download the full report to learn more about discovering the power of visibility in your supply chain.