End-to-end supply chains help reduce the risk of miscommunication between the business and their customers. Customers can track their shipments more easily, increasing their satisfaction and potential brand loyalty. End-to-end supply chains also increase the ability of shippers to communicate with customers. For example, if a parcel of perishable items such as meat or dairy products is due to be delivered, the transportation and logistics teams can communicate with the intended customers about how best to store the items and resolve any issues relating to the delivery quickly.

There are four stages in every supply chain, and the enhanced visibility of an end-to-end supply chain means that businesses can improve their overall planning and strategic approach.

For instance, in the demand management stage, businesses need to try and project customer demand so that in the supply management stage inventory planning, capacity planning, and distribution management are as accurate as possible to maximise the return on investment.

Similarly, for the marketing activity that takes place in the sales and operations planning stage to be successful, products need to be available for consumers to purchase. Having access to all data relating to each of the stages within your business’s supply chains means that each operation is more accurate, and less time and profit are lost due to potential bottlenecks or errors.

As well as helping to minimise waste, end-to-end supply chains also help encourage transparency and ethical supply chain management.

Ethical supply chain management describes supply chain operations that deliver the highest levels of sustainability and ethics throughout. Ethical supply chain management is divided into three core areas; economic, environmental, and social responsibilities.

Ensuring ethical practices across each stage of the supply chain is the responsibility of everyone involved. However, the transparency and visibility enabled by using an end-to-end supply chain strategy make it easier for businesses to ensure that their ethical policies and practices are being followed throughout.

It’s also beneficial from a consumer perspective. As more and more customers are choosing brands that practice sustainable manufacturing, marketing, and shipping methods, the transparency afforded by end-to-end supply chains gives consumers more information about the manufacturing process of certain goods and allows them to make an informed choice during their purchases.