What is supply chain collaboration?
Supply chain collaboration is the sharing of accurate, up-to-date product data securely and in real time with supply chain partners—accelerating sourcing and purchasing processes. Manufacturers gain visibility into qualified and preferred suppliers, parts status, and readiness to keep projects on schedule. Automated notifications alert buyers when a BOM reaches quote, prototype, or production states for timely supplier release. This alignment drives agility and faster time to market. Yet, according to IDC 59% of organizations report that limited supply chain visibility makes it difficult to detect changes and react effectively, underscoring the need for integrated, data-driven tools that connect teams and suppliers in one digital thread.
Why is it important?
Supply chain collaboration enables accurate, real-time data sharing with partners to reduce risks, streamline sourcing, and ensure supplier readiness. By aligning teams early and keeping everyone on the same page, manufacturers gain visibility, improve agility, and accelerate time-to-market while maintaining control of their data.
Key features of supply chain collaboration
Enable seamless data communication for supplier collaboration with the advanced capabilities of PLM.
End-to-end visibility: Suppliers, internal users, partners, and contract manufacturers collaborate on contract-driven programs with automated notifications sent upon part, specification release, and end of life.
Change control: Supplier engineers review and approve supplier changes regardless of who initiates the change request with change assessment/action completion/closure.
IP protection: Support different levels of security (read, write, delete, meta data, etc.) and access controls defined by user groups and applicable to a specific object.
Real-time data sharing: Sourcing teams can collaborate both internally and externally with supply chain partners by sharing important product information in real time. This helps improve agility and time to market.
Supplier strategy: Qualified suppliers and parts status are visible to R&D to confirm supplier readiness. Approved manufacturer parts lists (AML) and approved vendor lists (AVL) are created with support for multiple component suppliers with preferred status.
Problem reporting: Associate problem reports with impacted items, assemblies, and parts. Reports are created internally or by suppliers based on audits (supplier corrective action).
Single system for supplier data: Create transparency with an automatic flow of full supplier reference data and history, including both quality and non-quality actions (informal and formal) linked to part or product.
Automated integrations and orchestration: Standards-based data exchange between enterprise systems, linking and tracing to ERP, CRM, requirements connector based on OSLC, and more.
MCAD/ECAD integration: Provide automatic neutral file creation and integration for use by suppliers.
EBOM and specifications alignment: Align suppliers when sourced with part qualification (quality control plan, material compliance, DFM analysis) and notify suppliers of change.
Configurable workflows: Create customizable easy to use processes and templates that deliver tasks automatically to users. Supplier engineers can seamlessly conduct their reviews, approvals, and authorizations down to the component level.
Steps to improve supply chain collaboration
To stay competitive in today’s dynamic market, companies must strengthen supply chain collaboration. This means breaking down silos, enabling real-time data sharing, and aligning digital processes across partners. By focusing on communication, access, integration, and technology, organizations can build more resilient, responsive, and efficient supply chains.
Align teams and partners with consistent, structured dialogue
Effective collaboration starts with clear, consistent communication across all supply chain partners. Establishing shared terminology, expectations, and feedback loops helps prevent misunderstandings and delays. Regular updates and transparent dialogue foster trust and alignment, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same goals.
Empower partners with real-time, actionable insights
Timely access to accurate data empowers partners to make informed decisions quickly. Sharing real-time inventory levels, demand forecasts, and production schedules reduces uncertainty and improves responsiveness. Centralized platforms and data governance policies ensure that the right people have the right information at the right time.
Connect workflows across the supply chain ecosystem
Digitizing and integrating supply chain processes across organizations eliminates manual bottlenecks and improves efficiency. From procurement to logistics, extending digital workflows enables seamless coordination and faster execution. Automation and standardized digital interfaces help partners collaborate more effectively and scale operations.
Invest in scalable, interoperable tools for smarter collaboration
Choosing the right technology is key to enabling collaboration. Cloud platforms, AI-driven analytics, and IoT solutions provide visibility, predictive insights, and agility. Investing in interoperable systems and scalable tools ensures that supply chain partners can connect, share, and act on data in real time—driving smarter decisions and better outcomes.
Success with PLM
Here are a few examples of how your peers are realizing value from PTC's PLM platform. For a comprehensive list, visit our case study page.
Learn more about PTC’s PLM platform, Windchill
Explore Windchill PLM with supply chain collaboration at its core for complete lifecycle management from concept to release.