Challenges in Digitalization for Holistic and Transparent Supply Chains During Crises

COVID-19 supply-chain disruptions clearly illustrated deficiencies in central coordination. Meaningful improvement in the central coordination of supply-chains will require transparency into resource stocks and flows. The latest technology, like 5G, blockchain and IoT, are primed to provide this transparency for collaboration during crises. This will improve agility and service, reduce inventory and enable reverse logistics benefits. Furthermore, transparent global networks can allow a more inclusive and equitable distribution of critical supply, yielding quicker resolution during crises. However, many challenges exist that suggest further delay in the adoption of a holistic and transparent digitalized supply chain. This paper explores the most recent pandemic with attention to the limiting factors at all levels of emergent global crisis response.