Supply chain control tower implementation: overcoming challenges and driving success in large multinational companies

Paper aims: To provide a framework for Supply Chain Control Tower (SCCT) implementation, based on socio-technical systems, innovation adoption, and organizational information processing theories. The framework outlines seven key implementation phases, associated with eleven challenges and fifteen critical success factors (CSF) Originality: There are few studies to support SCCT implementation. This work proposes the integration of challenges faced by large multinational companies with the recent literature to develop a framework for the accomplishment of Control Towers (CT). Research method: Convergent Mixed Methods research is deployed. A scoping literature review and the content analysis of qualitative interviews in three large multinational companies are gathered to perform the analyses. Main findings: There are gaps between theory and practice, particularly regarding objectives, capabilities, and organizational areas involved in SCCT projects. The study identifies information misalignment across departments as a primary driver of Control Tower adoption. Also, the end-to-end SC monitoring and machine learning tools often emerge as a secondary initiative within SCCT projects. Implications for theory and practice: SCCT definition, capabilities and implementation steps are presented. The proposed framework can be used by practitioners to assess their internal readiness, identify and mitigate common adoption barriers, and strategically align SCCT with the CSFs goals.