The management of data intelligence in the supply chain presents an enormous challenge to those involved. The amount, velocity, and sharing of data all influence how it is received and evaluated, and these changes intensify with the consolidation of digital transformation.

The supply chain depends more and more on IT systems to ensure information flow and security as it develops. However, there is a “but” to this tale.

Global IT professionals have faced challenges related to data decentralization. People who operate in the supply chain ultimately communicate through alternative channels, even in the presence of dependable systems, applications, and other tools at their disposal.

Read also: Supply Chain Risk Management: Top 5 Supply Chain Risks to Watch Out For

Supply chain risk management

Moreover, a lot of businesses manage everything via network-accessible spreadsheets and other documents, frequently without any security. In addition to making data analysis more difficult, using parallel platforms—which are not approved by the company’s IT department—leaves data entirely vulnerable to cybercriminals.

The most frequent conversation these days is about someone breaking into their smartphone, system, or WhatsApp account. Keep in mind that equipment can get lost or broken; if the data is exclusively on the device, recovering it will be extremely difficult.

However, it must be acknowledged that there are other weak links as well. Several businesses continue to be reluctant to spend money on more modern features and security measures.

The good news is that the technology industry provides specific products for varying business sizes, guaranteeing security for those who are ready to invest within their means.

More practicality and safety

The majority of supply chain employees choose to use a resource they are already familiar with due to practicality rather than learning how to use a new application or system, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always function as planned.

However, supply chain-specific apps and systems, along with the diligent work of authorized tech providers, will ensure the security of your company’s data as well as that of the entire ecosystem of businesses.

Relationship with suppliers

Every access point needs to take information security into account. Thus far, we have discussed the internal operations of the organization. However, are you aware of how secure the supply chain’s providers are?

A business transmits and receives vast amounts of data, therefore it must maintain partnerships with accounting and legal departments, infrastructure providers, software providers, input providers, and many more. not only for your business but also for its clients and associates.

As a result, you must exercise extreme caution when selecting each partner, making sure they have sufficient security procedures and resources in place.

What happens in the event of a data leak?

For instance, your business might be held accountable if someone is hacked online or if your supplier experiences a data leak. This might be particularly problematic if the leak impacts the data of the final customer.

In light of this, it is best to set guidelines for hiring suppliers and partners, including specific requirements on data handling procedures, compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), security assurances, and information protection resources used, among other things.

Simply stated, if your business is equipped with security resources, make sure that everyone else in the supply chain feels the same level of accountability.

Count on IT professionals

Individuals responsible for managing the company’s essential operations, which boost profitability, shouldn’t be overburdened with tasks.

So, assign IT specialists to handle the technology and make sure that the best data security procedures are being followed.

IT specialists with experience know which businesses to choose for security, software, and data monitoring solutions.

These workers need resources and the company’s approval in order to carry out their duties effectively. Micromanagement just causes internal company operations to lag.

Our personal preference for cybersecurity and other IT-related duties is Dygital9. Every IT-related job from 3PL Links has been turned over to them, and they take care of everything to protect our esteemed data from intrusions.

How to protect data in supply chain enterprises?

Cybercriminals are skilled at identifying flaws in systems, and their attacks have the power to shut down businesses and steal data.

Given the increased scalability of supply chain enterprises, data handling needs to be even more secure.

For businesses lacking data security expertise, the following questions may help guide the decision:

1. Does the solution provider have a good reputation in the market?
2. Do they have market experience?
3. Do they serve companies of different sizes?
4. Do they have plans that can meet your current needs and future growth?
5. Do they work with certificates suitable for data transit?

For 3PL Links, data security is a serious matter and we seek to align ourselves with international protocols to keep our customers in a protected environment.