Inbound Logistics | July 2026

SUPPLY CHAIN DATA MISTAKES TO AVOID

MANUAL DATA ENTRY In most cases, poor data quality doesn’t result from one dramatic failure, but instead from “death by 1,000 spreadsheets,” Brackett says. Manual entry is one culprit. When teams copy information between systems, email updates, or rely on disconnected tools, mistakes naturally multiply. That can mean decisions are made based on inaccurate information. DATA PROCESSES THAT LAG OPERATIONS Some companies expand sourcing into new regions before they’ve established standard processes for collecting and validating supplier information. That leaves management without a strong handle on its supplier base, notes Brackett. Similarly, mergers and acquisitions can result in a proliferating number of information systems. The volume makes it difcult to ensure all data in all systems is up to date and accurate. FRAGMENTED DATA FLOWS Disparate, fragmented information ows create blind spots across the supply chain, Schlichter

says. For instance, information sets around electronic ordering, advanced shipping notices, transportation tracking, inventory, sourcing, and ERP updates, among others, often sit in disconnected systems. Updates are contained in spreadsheets, emails, or other disparate tracking tools, and don’t automatically feed into the ERP, WMS, or other systems. One team might think inventory is available, when another has already allocated it. In more complex networks, such as those involving marketplace models, challenges around inaccurate data on inventory, product description, order status, and supplier performance can be amplied because data is pulled from multiple systems and partners at once, says Blaine Nielsen, president, retail, with Rithum, a commerce solutions provider. For example, the product content displayed may not match what’s available to sell. Even small discrepancies can undermine fulllment decisions, customer expectations, and margin performance. To truly benet from modern information solutions, the information architecture should be synchronized for the organization as a whole, says Oliver Gritz, founder and chief executive

ofcer with Ontegos Cloud, which offers an operating system for freight forwarders. The goal is a common source of reality for all departments. NOT COMPARING DATA SETS Reviewing different data sets together can provide valuable insight. Evaluating operational data with fulllment and performance data, for example, can show where issues are recurring and help vendors identify problems earlier in the process, Nielsen says. Reviewing both stock and order records, as well as data showing what happens after an order is placed, such as shipment exceptions and reason for returns, can help to set more accurate delivery expectations. It also can help identify which issues are hurting conversion or margin. INSUFFICIENT PRODUCT DATA The importance of product data such as dimensions, weight, lead times, handling rules, and labeling requirements, is often underestimated, says Kyle Brandt, product marketing manager for SPS Commerce. Yet, this information informs the way in which products are planned, received, stored, fullled, and invoiced. Dimensional and weight data also directly impact shipping costs, as well as the effectiveness of slotting and rack congurations. If product sizes or weight measurements are off, it’s often hard to determine accurate slot sizes, which makes it difcult to understand a facility’s true capacity. Along with capturing product data, supply chain organizations often need contextual data about the items they’re managing, says Ashley Burkle, director of sales and business development with Identiv, which creates internet of things (IoT) solutions. This could include data on changes in temperature or humidity, or patterns that signal spoilage or loss, which can help organizations understand

Data discrepancies can undermine fulfillment decisions, customer expectations, and margin performance. Ecommerce solutions like Rithum help automate data collection and reduce risk.

126 Inbound Logistics • July 2026