Control tower (supply chain)
Quick answer
A single visibility and decision hub that aggregates chain-wide data to detect and resolve issues proactively.
Key takeaways
- End-to-end visibility (order → delivery)
- Proactive alerts (delays, stockouts, exceptions)
- Real-time KPIs (OTIF, DIFOT, fill rate)
- Decision support for re-routing and prioritisation
What a control tower is
A control tower is a visibility and decision layer that aggregates data from all systems and partners - orders, stock, deliveries, transport - into a single picture, to detect deviations and intervene before they affect the customer.
What it provides
- End-to-end visibility (order → delivery)
- Proactive alerts (delays, stockouts, exceptions)
- Real-time KPIs (OTIF, DIFOT, fill rate)
- Decision support for re-routing and prioritisation
Why it matters
Without a control tower, problems are discovered late, from complaints. With it, the team sees signals early and acts proactively, turning supply-chain management from reactive to anticipatory.
How CRMconnect helps
CRMconnect aggregates operational data (OMS, WMS, EDI, couriers) into a control tower with live KPIs and alerts, giving end-to-end visibility and decision support on a single screen.
Real-world example
A company learned of delays only when the customer called. With the CRMconnect control tower, delays and stockouts are flagged proactively, and the team re-routes or prioritises before the customer is affected.
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Frequently asked
Is a control tower the same as track & trace?+
No. Track & trace follows an individual shipment; the control tower aggregates the whole chain (all orders, stock, deliveries) with KPIs and alerts, giving operation-level visibility and decision-making.
Do I need many systems for a control tower?+
You need data from existing systems (OMS, WMS, EDI, couriers). An integration layer like CRMconnect aggregates them, so the control tower works without replacing your current systems.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
Track & trace
Real-time tracking of an order or shipment's status and location, from pickup to delivery.
LogisticsDIFOT (Delivered In Full, On Time)
The metric measuring the percentage of orders delivered in full and on the promised date.
LogisticsOTIF (On-Time In-Full)
Share of orders delivered on time AND complete. Critical KPI for modern retailer relationships.
TechnologyiPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service)
A cloud platform that connects applications and data via connectors, flows and transformations managed centrally.