< Back to Blogs
Share:

Control Tower Technology: The Command Center for Modern Supply Chains

This post is written by our friends at e2open. E2open is the connected supply chain software platform that enables the world’s largest companies to transform the way they make, move, and sell goods and services. Moving as one.™ Learn More: www.e2open.com.

 

Global supply chains are under pressure like never before, and disruptions aren’t rare events anymore—they’re structural, constant, and often originate outside your four walls. A single weak link in your supplier network can ripple across production schedules, customer commitments, and brand reputation.

The old playbook of reacting to occasional crises doesn’t cut it. To thrive in 2025 and beyond, companies need real-time visibility, predictive insights, and agile execution. That’s where supply chain control tower technology comes in.

 

What is a supply chain control tower, really?

A control tower acts as the command center for your supply chain. It gathers and visualizes data, analyzes disruption impacts, and provides actionable recommendations before problems escalate. Advanced solutions can even automate responses to routine issues and enable cross-functional collaboration to ensure that decisions aren’t just well-informed, they’re executed across the supply chain as well.

 

Why control towers matter now

Supply chain risk isn’t a passing cloud; it’s a thunderstorm that keeps circling back to soak those who aren’t carrying umbrellas. Research shows that it’s a top concern for executives in 2025. Why? Because one hiccup in your global network can easily snowball into missed deadlines, lost revenue, and unhappy customers.

Control towers deliver the agility and visibility to dodge or prepare for these storms:

  • Multi-tier supplier visibility for compliance and risk management
  • AI-driven analytics for predictive alerts and automation
  • Scenario planning to test “what-if” strategies before making changes

 

Trends fueling control tower technology

Here are the three driving forces inspiring businesses to adopt control tower technology:

  1. Supplier network visibility

Modern control towers go beyond first-tier suppliers. They map relationships deep into your network, support compliance with regulations like UFLPA and EUDR, and provide risk dashboards for better decision-making.

  1. AI-driven decision-making

Artificial intelligence powers predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated workflows. These capabilities help companies move from reactive firefighting to proactive planning.

  1. Scenario planning for resilience

“What-if” modeling is your crystal ball. Advanced control towers allow businesses to simulate disruptions, evaluate alternatives, and choose the best course of action before implementing changes.

 

The business case: measurable ROI

Control towers deliver tangible value in several ways:

  • Reduced manual effort through automation
  • Faster response times with real-time alerts and modeling
  • Stronger resilience via predictive insights and multi-tier visibility
  • Improved collaboration across suppliers, carriers, and customers

 

How to choose the right control tower solution

There are several control tower options on the market, but not all of them may offer a true, comprehensive solution. When evaluating options, consider:

  • Integration with your tech stack: Does the software fit seamlessly into your existing architecture?
  • Business goals: Are you prioritizing collaboration, automation, or compliance?
  • Supply chain complexity: Can the solution scale across partners, regions, and modes?
  • Budget and timeline: Does the platform align with your resources and speed requirements?

 

Why e2open leads the way

E2open’s control tower technology stands out for several reasons. The unified architecture ensures that all of your data, applications, and tools are accessible from a single operating platform.  .

E2open has also been recognized as a Leader in Nucleus Research’s 2025 Control Tower Technology Value Matrix for helping companies achieve visibility, resilience, and sustainability at scale.

 

Take control of your supply chain today

The future of supply chain management is predictive, connected, and collaborative. Control tower technology is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of modern operations. Companies that invest now will gain a competitive edge in an increasingly volatile world.

Learn more about e2open’s control tower solutions at https://www.e2open.com.

 

More Blogs

Blogs
December 7, 2020

How the Delivery Experience Is Not a ‘One Size Fits All’

The ecommerce industry has been steadily growing over the last few years, accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic which led to a surge in demand for online products and services. This is great news for online retailers; however, as we know, competition online is fierce. Retailers who aren’t offering an exceptional customer experience risk losing their business to a competitor. A key part of a great customer experience is delivery and returns, and customer expectations in this area are high. 60% of consumers will buy again from a retailer if they were satisfied with the delivery. Returns are equally important and 78% of consumers consider the quality of a returns service when choosing where to shop. Customers know what they want, and they will choose stores based on where they will get the best experience. However, not all customers are the same. Offering a personalised e-commerce experience that meets customer expectations is vital in the right to acquire and retain today’s digital customer where customer loyalty is only as good as the last shopping experience. The Custom Approach to Delivery and Returns When it comes to delivery, retailers who think a “one size fits all” approach will work underestimate the needs…
Blogs
April 17, 2025

Navigating Hidden Freight Costs: Taking Control of Unexpected Charges

Blog Post written by Ohad Azgad, CEO of Cinch Logistics leaders must control costs while maintaining service quality, but hidden freight charges often erode profits due to poor visibility. Cinch analyzed over 7,000 line-item charges from 30+ freight forwarders, brokers, and carriers in FMCG and manufacturing, uncovering three major cost drivers: The Frequency-Impact Paradox Frequent charges like fuel surcharges appear in 14.4% of invoices but contribute just 4.2% of hidden costs. In contrast, customs duties—though present in only 5.8% of invoices—account for 52% of hidden costs. Identifying these patterns helps logistics teams focus on impactful cost reductions. Inconsistent Invoice Terminology Charge names like “Fuel Surcharge” vs. “Bunker Adjustment Factor” vary between carriers, reducing cost visibility and negotiation leverage. Standardizing terminology improves tracking, clarity, and vendor negotiations. Hidden Budget Risks: Customs, Duties & On-Carriage Fees Customs duties account for 46% of hidden costs, while on-carriage fees add 26%, despite appearing in only 4.3% of invoices. These charges are often underestimated during quoting, leading to budget overruns. Proactive management prevents unexpected expenses.   Strategies to Optimize Freight Costs Real-Time Data Analytics: Platforms like Cinch provide charge visibility during quoting, improving cost forecasting and negotiation leverage. Standardized Terminology: Consistent charge names enhance cost…