Addressing the overlooked challenge in supply chains

Paul Reoch, Senior Account Executive at Sage Supply Chain Intelligence, highlights a critical but often overlooked issue in modern supply chains: first-mile visibility.

Many brands focus heavily on last-mile delivery, but lack clarity and control at the very start of the process — where supplier coordination and production timelines are managed.

Strengthening supplier relationships through visibility

Sage Supply Chain Intelligence enables brands to improve supplier communication and purchase order management.

By increasing transparency at the source, businesses can build stronger relationships with suppliers and gain better control over their operations.

This foundation is essential for improving reliability across the entire supply chain.

Turning hidden problems into measurable ROI

One of the key insights from Reoch is that many companies are unaware of the scale of inefficiencies in their first-mile operations.

Once identified and addressed, these issues can unlock meaningful ROI through improved coordination, reduced delays, and better planning.

Building partnerships through meaningful connections

At DELIVER America, Sage Supply Chain Intelligence has seen clear value in connecting with the right stakeholders.

A standout example is a partnership with Pendulum, which originated from a face-to-face meeting at the event and has since developed into a successful, ongoing collaboration.

The value of pre-qualified meetings

The structured matchmaking approach enables Sage to engage directly with brands that align with their ideal customer profile.

This ensures conversations are relevant, targeted, and productive — accelerating both relationship-building and commercial outcomes.

Driving impact through awareness

Reoch’s message to retailers is clear:

Many supply chain challenges begin earlier than expected, and solving them requires visibility at the source.

Understanding and addressing first-mile inefficiencies can create a significant competitive advantage.

Key takeaway

First-mile visibility is a critical yet under-recognised lever for supply chain performance — and brands that address it can unlock stronger supplier relationships and measurable operational gains.