Article at a glance:

Recapturing your supply chain data

• Companies that outsource parts of the supply chain have lost touch with critical data, but careful IT investments can rebuild important links.
• The importance of data categories, such as product changes and cost levels, depends on the nature of the product in the supply chain.
• Capabilities determine who manages information. Either suppliers or manufacturers may assume the responsibility, and sometimes the two may share the costs.
• Recapturing critical data will allow companies to base their choice of suppliers on a wide range of factors.