As businesses embrace technological innovation, supply chains are giving way to interconnected ecosystems of collaboration. Gartner predicts that by 2026, more than 50% of large organisations in the supply chain will compete as collaborative digital ecosystems rather than discrete firms — sharing inputs, assets and innovations. By working together, companies within the supply chain can use technology to increase visibility, deliver better service, and explore new business opportunities.

Improving communication across the ecosystem

One of the first steps in bringing supply chain partners together and overcoming barriers to collaboration is to improve communication, not only between organisations but the cross-functional teams within them. Replacing incompatible, legacy systems with technology such as cloud-based platforms, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and collaborative software solutions can help to break down traditional siloes, reduce bottlenecks, create centralised points of contact and connect stakeholders from any location at any time.  

Enhanced constant, omnidirectional communication enables responsiveness, agility to sudden changes and stronger relationships between supply chain partners. This can lead to closer collaboration, clearer shared objectives and greater synthesis in the supply chain, to benefit all partners and customers too.

Sharing data for better results

Through shared end-to-end platforms and interconnected systems, previously disparate supply chain partners can exchange crucial information seamlessly and support one another in unforeseen events. In transport and logistics, this facilitates better coordination and ensures visibility until the last mile for both customers and businesses. It also unlocks the potential for data-driven insights. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and analytics capabilities, organisations can optimise processes, predict market trends, and address supply chain challenges in real time, ushering in a new era of informed decision-making.

Sharing business information places emphasis on data quality, privacy, usage and exchange. The data also needs to be kept secure when communicated across the supply chain and in keeping with regulatory obligations, especially for multinational transport and logistics companies working in various geographies. Furthermore, as data becomes a valuable business asset, effective collaboration between players in the supply chain ecosystem requires building trust and long-term partnerships to meet combined objectives.

Working together for future growth

Collaboration extends beyond mere information exchange; it is about unlocking synergies and creating value. From collaborative product development to joint innovation initiatives, technology-driven partnerships in the supply chain foster a culture of continuous improvement. This, in turn, translates into enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and the ability to capitalise on new markets.

Of course, the supply chain is often complex and vast, involving many players, some external, and interactions before goods even reach their final destination. Harnessing the collective strengths of each segment depends on the connectedness of all stakeholders in all sectors. Technology has the power to link the ecosystem, overcome challenges and open doors to possibilities.

For example, the informal market in Africa, the backbone of economic activity on the continent, offers supply chain businesses significant opportunities to expand distribution reach. However, many of these small business owners are constrained by physical limitations in ordering and paying for goods, which are often in low quantities. Transport and logistics companies can collaborate with suppliers as well as financial technology providers to overcome these barriers. Using connectivity as the link in the supply chain between all these partners increases visibility and enables the distribution of goods to various informal vendors cost-effectively with mobile money as a convenient payment system. As a result, collaboration can drive a more inclusive, profitable market, leading to socio-economic upliftment.

Driving sustainability goals

As the world grapples with social and environmental challenges, supply chains can use collaborative technologies to be more environmentally conscious and socially responsible. Collective efforts can lead to the development of eco-friendly practices, such as shared transportation resources, optimised routes to minimise emissions, and the implementation of green innovations to reduce waste, as well as respond proactively to ethical concerns.

Using technology collectively, supply chain partners have access to increased visibility of the impact of operations, can track progress and use data and analytics to address environmental and social issues. By working together, stakeholders can create a supply chain that aligns with global sustainability goals.

Enabling collaboration through a technology provider

For successful collaboration, there needs to be a unified approach by all partners in the supply chain. Too many systems, too many platforms and a lack of cohesion in using technology effectively can result in wasted time, resources and money and lead to fragmentation. As organisations in the sector continue to digitalise, they need a technology partner that understands their unique needs and offers services to enhance supply chain collaboration through seamless, scalable, flexible integrated solutions.

We believe that a technology partner must have the expertise and capabilities to guide businesses through the digitalisation process and enable them to get the most from collaboration using an entire technology stack. This should include services such as providing IT infrastructure, cloud hosting and data centre facilities, high-capacity, reliable connectivity, superior cybersecurity and a centralised point of contact across locations.

The collaborative supply chain powered by technology is a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive and ever-evolving landscape. The integration of collaborative technologies fosters resilience, agility, and innovation, propelling supply chains into a new era of efficiency and responsiveness.

At the heart, the collaborative supply chain connects organisations and people to transform not only the industry but also the lives of the customers it serves.