Page 22 - Logistics News - Issue 01 - 2024.indd

S UP P LY CH AIN

ance of supply chain
The import
The importance of supply chain
collaboration through technology
c ollabor a tion thr ough t echnology

By Vanessa Schonborn, Executive Head of
Transport and Logistics at Vodacom Business

Collaboration is vital to the success of any supply chain ecosystem.

ransport and logistics companies know only stronger relationships between supply chain partners.
too well why fostering relationships between This can lead to closer collaboration, clearer shared
T all stakeholders in the supply chain can help objectives and greater synthesis in the supply chain –
to ensure smoother operations and greater success, to benefit all partners and customers too.
especially in times of disruption, economic pressures
and market uncertainty. Sharing data for better results
Through shared end-to-end platforms and
As businesses embrace technological innovation, interconnected systems, previously disparate supply
supply chains are giving way to interconnected chain partners can exchange crucial information
ecosystems of collaboration. Gartner predicts that by seamlessly and support one another in unforeseen
2026, more than 50 percent of large organisations in events. In transport and logistics, this facilitates
the supply chain will compete as collaborative digital better coordination and ensures visibility until the
ecosystems rather than discrete firms – sharing inputs, last mile for both customers and businesses. It
assets and innovations. By working together, companies also unlocks the potential for data-driven insights.
within the supply chain can use technology to increase By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and
visibility, deliver better service and explore new business analytics capabilities, organisations can optimise
opportunities. processes, predict market trends and address supply
chain challenges in real-time, ushering in a new era of
Improving communication across the informed decision-making.
ecosystem
One of the first steps in bringing supply chain partners Sharing business information places emphasis on
together and overcoming barriers to collaboration data quality, privacy, usage and exchange. The data
is to improve communication, not only between also needs to be kept secure when communicated
organisations, but the cross-functional teams within across the supply chain and in keeping with regulatory
them. Replacing incompatible legacy systems with obligations, especially for multinational transport and
technology such as cloud-based platforms, Internet logistics companies working in various geographies.
of Things (IoT) devices and collaborative software Furthermore, as data becomes a valuable business
solutions can help to break down traditional silos, asset, effective collaboration between players in the
reduce bottlenecks, create centralised points of contact supply chain ecosystem requires building trust and
and connect stakeholders from any location at any time. long-term partnerships to meet combined objectives.

Enhanced constant omnidirectional communication Working together for future growth
enables responsiveness, agility to sudden changes and Collaboration extends beyond mere information

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