The confluence of e-commerce and a global pandemic has put digital solutions at the forefront of conversations surrounding supply chains.Not only did the demand for e-commerce grow, but also much greater attention was paid to how to improve backend and supply chain operations through greater digitization and utilization of cloud-based tools.According to the OECD, “There is no single recognised and accepted definition of digital trade, there is a growing consensus that it encompasses digitally-enabled transactions of trade in goods and services that can either be digitally or physically delivered, and that involve consumers, firms, and governments.”The end goal is to facilitate global value chains (GVC) by not only digitizing data, but also making it centrally accessible in order to boost the scale, scope and speed of trade.Taking Control of Global Supply ChainsHaving a 360-degree view of every quality measurement from start to finish reduces costs and increases customer satisfaction. Cloud SCM software can track and report quality levels by production center, product and customer level, according to SelectHub, a platform that enables companies to evaluate a wide range of supply chain management software.When managing complex global supply chains, the ability to have this level of visibility, and being able to take action when necessary, can mitigate potential delays or losses.Key AdvantagesA 360-degrees view of your entire supply chain enables executives to identify problems earlier and implement more comprehensive solutions.The ability to monitor and tracing any manufacturing, component or sub contracting throughout the supply chain in real time. This will play an increasingly vital role in meeting the demand for greater transparency and traceability.24/7 visibility - regardless of time zones - allows executives to access any section of the supply chain and exchange data with other users.More accurate compliance reporting, without needing employees to spend hours on data entry. What’s Holding It BackCumbersome customs procedures in certain nations.Some countries lag in digitization - of even domestic paperwork.Differing international standards or regulations regarding data flows (privacy issues, data sharing policies, data storage rules).Integrating localized data from multiple jurisdictions.Resistance to change within organizations.On the manufacturing side, with cloud-calculation of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), decisions that affect product manufacturing can be made quickly from anywhere.Cloud-based solutions are increasingly playing a key role in helping companies manage what has become an overwhelming amount of compliance reporting. The ability to automate what is typically a very labor intensive process can be game changing for both suppliers and buyers. It makes it possible to keep more detailed and accurate records, without requiring a department of people doing data entry.Obstacles on The Path to ProgressOne of the biggest barriers to digitizing global supply chains has been China’s requirement that all Internet traffic must be routed through a national firewall. China also does not allow foreign-invested enterprises to directly offer cloud computing services within China, according to the USTR. Companies rely on leased lines and VPNs to transfer data across borders, however the nation is looking to put tighter restrictions on Chinese telecom operators who offer VPN services. Korea also has data localization regulations, as does even some EU members.In addition to country level regulations, companies face hurdles internally from both leadership and employees who are resistant to change. From having to adapt to new processes to the fear of job loss, it's critical to get the entire organization on board.The advantage of utilizing cloud-based tools that provide a comprehensive view of supply chains in real time has moved from being ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’. At this point is a matter of organizations finding the right digital solutions for their business - and beginning the process of implementing them.