Supply chain visibility types and contextual characteristics: A literature‐based synthesis

Abstract

Existing literature offers multiple interpretations of how managers might develop and deploy supply chain visibility (SCV). However, current visibility research lacks rigorous definitions of visibility types and their relationships to contextual factors. Our systematic literature review and analysis extends previous studies by identifying visibility objects, potentially important contextual characteristics, and their interrelationships. We highlight research trends and develop a framework that links types of visibility to relational, environmental, and operational characteristics that either support visibility development or moderate its value for a firm. In addition, we offer a synthesis and critique of research questions, theoretical perspectives, and methods researchers have used to address SCV concepts and relationships. The review findings suggest rich opportunities for future research.

Real-Time Visibility as a Catalyst for Operational Enhancements

“…The challenges associated with RTV implementation, including trust issues, technological barriers, and data accuracy concerns, are echoed in the literature. (Kalaiarasan et al, 2022) and (Swink et al, 2024) discuss similar obstacles, suggesting that while the benefits of RTV are clear, the path to realizing these benefits is fraught with difficulties that need strategic consideration. This study's identification of such challenges reaffirms the necessity for a nuanced understanding of RTV implementation, including adopting best practices and developing robust technological infrastructures.…”

“…Despite these clear advantages, the fullscale implementation of RTV in supply chains faces challenges, including trust issues, technological hurdles, and concerns over data accuracy (Kalaiarasan et al, 2022), (Swink et al, 2024), (Wycislak, 2023), and (Wyciślak, 2022). These challenges foreground our first research question (RQ1): What specific improvements in supply chain efficiency are realized by implementing RTV solutions?…”

Strategic Intelligence of Small and Medium Enterprises Embedded in Global Supply Chains: A Framework for Resilience in the Face of Systemic Risks

“…It also seeks to better identify the challenges SMEs face in terms of resilience, as well as the resources (both internal and external) enabling SMEs to better deploy their SI capability. Previous research emphasized the significance of SI's sub-capabilities (e.g., visibility, detection capability, and seizing) in enhancing companies' resilience in volatile business environments (DuHadway, Carnovale & Hazen, 2019;Swink, Gallo, Defee, & da Silva, 2023;Ozanne, Chowdhury, Prayag, & Mollenkopf, 2022). However, it did not offer an integrative framework for these various sub-capabilities of SI.…”

Energizing a literature review to boldly go where no one has gone before

“…For those pursuing such research and other SCV topics, we believe Swink et al. 's (2024) article is a huge asset.…”

“…Not surprisingly, supply chain visibility (SCV) has received considerable attention in extant research. The first STF article by Swink et al (2024) reviews this important literature base. Although the related research has existed for quite some time, we expect it to continue developing, given SCV's central role in key supply chain initiatives, such as agility, responsiveness, and resilience.…”