Shipping Visibility & Security

What is supply chain visibility?

Supply chain visibility is the ability to see the status and movement of products, inventory, and shipments across key stages of the supply chain. It pulls together timely information from suppliers, warehouses, transportation providers, and delivery operations. Better visibility helps you monitor inventory and shipments, spot delays, share more accurate updates, and find recurring process problems. The level of detail depends on the systems, partners, and transportation modes involved.

false

Why is supply chain visibility important?

Supply chain visibility helps businesses catch delays, inventory issues, and other disruptions earlier. With timely information, logistics teams can adjust plans, notify customers, and work with partners before a small problem grows. Visibility also supports cost control and risk management by showing where goods are, how long each step takes, and where exceptions happen. Over time, this data reveals recurring bottlenecks and helps improve inventory management, transportation, and customer communication.

false

How can businesses achieve supply chain visibility?

To achieve supply chain visibility, businesses can connect data from orders, inventory, warehouses, transportation providers, and delivery operations via direct integrations or APIs. Start with the information needed to answer basic questions: What is moving? Where is it? Is it on schedule? Who needs to act if something changes? Rely on proven logistics providers, rigorous data hygeine practices and clearly-communicated KPIs.

How accurate is UPS delivery tracking time?

UPS tracking estimates are based on the service you select, origin, destination, package scans, and current network conditions. As a package moves through the UPS network, new scan events and exception information may update the expected delivery date or time window. Weather, customs processing, address issues, and other events can affect the estimate. Some UPS services may include a service guarantee, subject to the current UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions and any published suspensions or exclusions. For the most current information, check the tracking details for your individual shipment.

How does UPS enable supply chain visibility?

UPS supports supply chain visibility with tracking, notifications, technology connections, and logistics services. Depending on the service, you can use:

• UPS My Choice^® for Business dashboard to view package status and delivery updates.
• UPS My Choice^® to help recipients manage and receive updates about eligible deliveries.
• UPS Developer APIs to connect shipping, rating, and tracking functions with your business systems.
• Visibility tools tied to UPS SCS services, such as freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and distribution.
• Exception information that helps your team respond to delays or other shipment issues.

Features and data availability vary by service, account, and market.

How secure is UPS shipping?

UPS uses operational, technology, and account controls designed to protect shipments and customer information. Security needs vary by package value, contents, destination, and regulatory requirements, so choose the service, packaging, declared value options, and delivery controls that fit each shipment. You can lower risk further by using accurate labels, following UPS packaging guidance, restricting account access, and checking messages for signs of phishing or fraud. Specialized UPS services may offer added visibility, handling, or temperature-control capabilities for certain healthcare, high-value, or sensitive shipments. No shipping method removes every risk, so review the terms and available options before you ship.