Abstract
Purpose of the study: Contemporary business thinking requires organisations to consider the
interconnectedness of their supply chains and the successful integration and synchronisation of the upstream
and downstream processes. A key enabler for such integration is the deployment of technology, such as a
Digital Control Tower (DCT). This study aims to examine the veracity of benefits and challenges associated with
the implementation of DCTs.
Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research approach was used to explore the experiences of
3PLs with DCT implementations. Data was collected by conducting interviews with the operations and business
development executives of 3PLs.
Findings: A key finding was that DCT implementation projects deliver significant improvements in full supply
chain visibility, collaboration, and performance. The results indicate that the key DCT implementation challenges
are project complexity, systems integration, team selection and change management.
Recommendations/value: A key finding was that DCT implementation projects deliver significant
improvements in full supply chain visibility, supply chain collaboration and supply chain performance. The results
indicate that the key DCT implementation challenges are project complexity, systems integration, team selection
and change management.